c5) 


FALA. 


Itye  Hibrarp 

oittje 

Hantfaerssitp  of  i^ortfj  Carolina 


Carnegie  Corporation  Jfunb 

for 

instruction  in  ILrbrarianjsfnp 

w 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 
'  I     I     I     II      I    I 


00022094966 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://www.archive.org/details/browniestheirboocoxp 


Q/6u>  Ooon.  aeSonyd  ie 


*=M 


the  brownies: 
their  book 


BY 
PALMER  COX 


PUBLISHED    BY 
THE  CENTURY  CO. 

NEW  YORK 


Copyright,  1 5^7,  by  The  Century  Co. 
Copyright  renewed,  1915,  by  The  Century  Co 


Printed   in   U.   S.   A. 


BROWNIES,  like  fairies  and  goblins ,  are 
imaginary  little  sprites,  who  are  supposed 
■j  to  delight  in  harmless  pranks  and  helpful 
deeds .  They  work  and  sport  while  weary 
households  sleep,  and  never  allow  themselves 
to  be  seen  by  mortal  eyes. 


X 


CONTENTS. 


The  Brownies  at  School 


The  Brownies'  Ride 


The  Brownies  on  Skates 


The  Brownies  on  Bicycles 


The  Brownies  at  Lawn-tennis    . 


The 


Brownies'  Good  Work 

ix 


MS* 


? 


14 


19 


2fi 


30 


The  Brownies  at  the  Gymnasium 


The  Brownies'  Feast 


The  Brownies  Tobogganing 


The  Brownies'  Balloon 


J     » 


The  Brownies 


Canoeing 


The  Brownies  in  the  Menagerie 


The  Brownies'  Circus     . 


The  Brownies  NJ§i^2i    at  Base-ball 


The  Brownies  and  the  Bees 


The  Brownies  on  Roller  Skates 


Pagf 

36 


42 


48 


62 


68 


.     73 


78 


83 


89 


The  Brownies  at  the  Seaside 


The  Brownies  and  the  Spinning-wheel 


The  Brownies'  Voyage 


The 


K 


Brownies'  Return 


The  Brownies'  Senging-school 


The  Brownies' 


Friendly  Turn 


The  Brownies'  Fourth  of  July 


The  Brownies  in  the  Toy-shop 


101 


108 


114 


120 


126 


132 


138 


BOOKS    BY    PALMFR    COX: 
PUBLISHED  BY  THF  CENTURY  CO. 

THE  BROWNIES:  THEIR  BOOK 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,   in    boards    $1.50 

ANOTHER  BROWNIE  BOOK 

Quarto,    150   pages      Price,    in    boards,   $150 

RHOuSE   § 

THE  BROWNIES  AT  HOME 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,   in   boards.   $1.50 


THE  BROWNIES  AROUND 
THE  WORLD 


IfAiis  \     Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in    boards    $1.50 

THE  BROWNIES  THROUGH 

THE  UNION  H 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in   boards,   $1.50  i^JJSe 

THE  BROWNIES  ABROAD        ^"M^^ 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in   boards,   $1.50        '&«?' *Vp><ff*2s>    r 

THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE 
PHILIPPINES 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in   boards,   $1.50 

THE  BROWNIES  LATEST 
ADVENTURES 

Quarto,    150   pages.     Price,   in    boards.   $1.50 

THE  BROWNIES  MANY  MORE 
NIGHTS 

Quarto,    150    pages.     Price,   in   boards,   $1.50     fis 

THE  BROWTNTE  CLOWN  OF 
BROWNTETOWrN 

Oblong,    103    pages.     Price,    in    boards,    $1.00 

THE  BROWNIE  PRIMER 

sfc?v  12   mo,    108   pages.     Price,   in    cloth,   $  .40  net. 


THE   BROWNIES  AT  SCHOOL. 


V^' 


S  Brownies  rambled  'round  one  night, 
A  country  sckoolhouse  came  in  sight ; 
And  there  they  paused  awhile  to  speak 
About  the  place,  where  through  the  week 
The  scholars  came,  with  smile  or  whine, 
Each  morning  at  the  stroke  of  nine. 
"  This  is,"  said  one,  "  the  place,  indeed, 
Where  children  come  to  write  and  read. 
'T  is  here,  through  rules  and  rods  to  suit, 
The  young  idea  learns  to  shoot; 
And  here  the  idler  with  a  grin 
In  nearest  neighbor  pokes  the  pin, 

Or  sighs  to  break  Ms  scribbled  slate 
And  spring  at  once  to  man's  estate. 
How  oft  from  shades  of  yonder  grove 
I  Ve  viewed  at  eve  the  shouting  drove 
As  from  the  door  they  crowding  broke, 
Like  oxen  from  beneath  the  yoke." 


Another  said  :   "  The  teacher's  chair, 
The  ruler,  pen,  and  birch  are  there, 
The  blackboard  hangs  against  the  wall; 
The  slate  's  at  hand,  the  hooks  and  all. 
We  might  go  in  to  read  and  write 
And  master  sums  like  scholars  bright.'" 


"I  '11  play,"  cried  one,  "the  teacher's  part ; 
I  know  some  lessons  quite  by  heart, 
And  every  section  of  the  land 
To  me  is  plain  as  open  hand." 
"With  all  respect,  my  friend,  to  yon," 
Another  said,  "  that  would  not  do. 
Yon  're  hardly  fitted,  sir,  to  rule ; 
Yonr  place  should  be  the  dimce's  stool. 
Yon  're  not  with   great   endowments 

blessed ; 
Besides,  yonr  temper  's  not  the  best, 
And  those  who  train  the  budding  mind 
Should  own  a  disposition  kind. 
The  rod  looks  better  on  the  tree 
Than  resting  by  the  master's  knee ; 
T  7/  be  the  teacher,  if  yon  please ; 
I  know  the  rivers,  lakes,  and  seas, 

And,  like  a  banker's   clerk,  can  throw 
The  figmes  nimbly  in  a  row. 
I  have  the  patience,  love,  and  grace, 
So  recpiisite  in  such  a  case." 

Now  some  bent  o'er  a  slate  or  book, 
And  some  at  blackboards  station  took. 
They  clustered  'round  the  globe  with  zeal. 
And  kept  it  turning  like  a  wheel. 


Said  one,  "  I  Ve  often 

The  world  is  rounder 

And  here,  indeed,  we 

With  hoth  the  poles 

With     latitudes     and 

All  measured  out  on 

Another       said,     "I      thought 

The   world    from   Maine    to 
Or    could,    without    a    giude, 
My  way  from  Cork  to  Puget 
But    here    so    many    things 
That  never  dawned  upon  my 
On    sundry  points,  I   blush      VM  \ 
I  Ve  been  a  thousand  miles 
"  'T    is     like   an    egg,"    another 
"A    little    longer   than   it  's    wide, 
With  islands  scattered  through  the  seas 
Where  savages  may  live  at  ease ; 


heard  it  said, 
than  your  head, 
find  it  true, 
at  once  in  view, 
each  degree 
land  and  sea." 
I  knew 

Timbuctoo, 
have  found 
Sound ; 


And  buried  up  in  Polar  snows 

You  find  the  hardy  Eskimos ; 

While  here  and  there  some  scorching  spots 

Are  set  apart  for  Hottentots. 

And  see  the  rivers  small  and  great, 

That  drain  a  province  or  a  state ; 

The  name  and  shape  of  every  nation; 

Their  faith,  extent,  and  population ; 

And  whether  governed  by  a  King, 

A  President,  or  council  ring.'' 


r~- 


While  some  with  such  expressions  bold 
Surveyed  the  globe  as  'round  it  rolled, 
Still  others  turned  to  ink  and  pen, 
And,  spreading  like  a  brooding  hen, 
They  scrawled  a  page  to  show  the  band 
Their  special  "style,"  or  ''business  hand." 


The  teacher  had  enough  to  do, 

To  act  his  part  to  nature  true : 

He  lectured  well  the  infant  squad, 

He  rapped  the  desk  and  shook  the  rod, 

And  stood  the  dunce  upon  the  stool, 

A  laughing-stock  to  all  the  school — 

But  frequent  changes  please  the  crowd,         \ 

So  lengthy  reign  was  not  allowed; 

And  when  one  master  had  his  hour, 

Another  took  the  rod  of  power ; 

And  thus  they  changed  to  suit  the  case, 

Till  many  filled  the  honored  place. 

So  taken  up  was  every  mind 
With  fun  and  study  well  combined, 


They  noticed  not  the  hours  depart, 
Until  the  sun  commenced  to  dart 
A  sheaf  of  lances,  long  and  bright, 
Above  the  distant  mountain  height ; 
Then  from  the  schoolroom,  in  a  heap, 
They  jumped  and  tumbled,  twenty  deep, 
In  eager  haste  to  disappear 
In  deepest  shades  of  forests  neai. 


'When  next  the  children  gathered  there. 

With  wondering  faces  fresh  and  fair. 

It  took  an  hour  of  morning  prime, 

According  to  the  teacher's  time, 

To  get  the  hooks  in  place  once  more, 

And  order  to  the  room  restore. 

So  great  had  been  the  haste  to  hide, 

The  windows  were  left  open  wide ; 

And  scholars  knew,  without  a  doubt, 

That  Brownies  had  been  thereabout. 


j*M-&m 


JWtEK  c0* 


THE   BROWNIES'   RIDE. 


|NE  night  a  cunning  Brownie  band 

Was  roaming  through  a  farmer's  land, 
And  while  the  rogues  went  prying  'round, 
The  farmer's  mare  at  rest  they  found ; 
And  peeping  through  the  stable-door, 
They  saw  the  harness  that  she  wore. 
The  sight  was  tempting  to  the  eye, 
For  there  the  cart  was  standing  nigh. 

"That  mare,"  said  one,  "deserves  her  feed  — 
Believe  me,  she  's  no  common  breed ; 
Her  grit  is  good :  I  've  seen  her  dash 
Up  yonder  slope  without  the  lash, 

Until  her  load  —  a  ton  of  hay  — 
Went  bouncing  in  beside  the  bay. 

In  tliis  same  cart,  old  Farmer  Gill 
Takes  all  Ms  corn  and  wheat  to  mill ; 
It  must  be  strong,  though  rude  and  rough; 
It  runs  on  wheels,  and  that  's  enough." 


Now,  Brownies  seldom  idle  stand 
When  there  's  a  chance  for  fun  at  hand. 


So  plans  were  laid  without  delay; 

The  mare  was  dragged  from  oats  and  hay, 

The  harness  from  the   peg  they  drew, 

And  every  one  to  action  flew. 

It  was  a  sight  one  should  behold 

To  see  them  working,  young  and  old; 

Two  wrinkled  elves,  like  leather  browned, 
Whose  beards  descended  near  the  ground, 
Along  with  youngsters  did  then  best 
With  all  the  ardor  of  the  rest. 


While  some  prepared  a  rein  or  trace, 
Another  slid  the  bit  in  place ; 
More  buckled  bands  with  all  their  might, 
Or  drew  the  harness  close  and  tight. 


When  every  strap  a  buckle  found. 
And  every  part  was  safe  and  sound, 
Then  'round  the  cart  the  Brownies  flew, — 
The  hardest  task  was  yet  to  do. 
It  often  puzzles  bearded  men, 
Though  o'er  and  o'er  performed  again. 

10 


Some  held  the  shafts  to  steer  them  straight, 

More  did  their  hest  to  balance  weight, 

"While  others  showed  both  strength  and  art 

In  backing  Mag  into  the  cart. 

At  length  the  heavy  job  was  done, 

And  horse  and  eart  moved  off  as  one. 


Now  down  the  road  the  gentle  steed 
Was  forced  to  trot  at  greatest  speed, 

A  merrier  crowd  than  journeyed  there 

Was  never    seen  at  Dublin  Fair. 

Some  found  a  seat,  while  others  stood, 

Or  hung  behind  as  best  they  could; 

While  many,  strung  along,  astride, 

Upon  the  mare  enjoyed  the  ride. 


WJWm 


,xm> 


mm 


The  night  was  dark,  the  lucky  elves 

Had  all  the  turnpike  to  themselves. 

No  surly  keeper  barred  the  way, 

For  nse  of  road  demanding  pay, 

Nor  were  they  startled  by  the  cry 

Of  robbers  shouting,  "Stand  or  die!" 

Across  the  bridge  and  np  the  hill 

And  through  the  woods  to  Warren's  mill,- 

A  lengthy  ride,  ten  miles  at  least, — 

Without  a  rest  they  drove  the  beast, 

And  then  were  loath  enough  to  rein 

Old  Mag  around   for  heme  again. 
11 


% 


Nor  was  the  speed,  returning,  slow; 

The  mare  was  more  inclined  to  go, 

Because  the  feed  of  oats  and  hay 

Unfinished  in  her  manger  lay. 

So  through  the  yard  she  wheeled  her  load 

As  briskly  as  she  took  the  road. 

No  time  remained  to  then  undo 

The  many  straps  which  tight  they  drew, 

For  in  the  east  the  reddening  sky 

Gave  warning  that  the  sun  was  nigh. 

12 


The  halter  rope  was 
About  the  nearest 
Then  off  they  scam- 
And  disappeared  at 


quickly  wound 
post  they  found; 
pered,  left  and  right, 
once  from  sight. 


When  Farmer  Grill  that  morning  fair 

Came  out  and  viewed  his  jaded  mare, 

I  may  not  here  in  verse  repeat 

His  exclamations  all  complete. 

He  gnashed  his  teeth,  and  glared  around, 

And  struck  his  fists,  and  stamped  the  ground, 

And  chased  the  dog  across  the  farm, 

Because  it  failed  to  give  alarm. 

I  'd  give  a  stack  of  hay,"  he  cried, 

To  catch  the  rogue  who  stole  the  ride ! " 

But  still  awry  suspicion  flew, — 

Who  stole  the  ride  he  never  knew. 


THE   BROWNIES    ON    SKATES. 

NE  night,  when  the  cold  moon  hung  low 
And  winter  wrapped  the  world  in  snow 
And  bridged  the  streams  in  wood  and  field 
"With  ice  as  smooth  as  shining  shield, 
Some   skaters   swept 
in  graceful  style 
The  glistening  surface, 

file  on  file. 
For  hours  the  Brownies 

viewed  the  show, 
Commenting      on      the 
groups  below ; 


Said  one:   "That  pleasure  might  be  ours  — 
We  have  the  feet  and  motive  powers ; 
No  mortal  need  us  Brownies  teach, 
If  skates  were  but  within  our  reach.''' 
Another  answered :  "Then,  my  friend 
To  hear  my  plan  let  all  attend. 
P  I  have  a  building  in  my  mind 
That  we  within  an  hour  can  find. 
Three  golden  balls  hang  by  the  door, 
Like  oranges  from  Cuba's  shore ; 
Behind  the  dusty  counter  stands 
A  native  of  queer,  far-off  lands  ; 
The  place  is  filled  with  various  things, 
From  baby-carts  to  banjo-strings ; 

Here  hangs  a  gun  without  a  lock 
Some  Pilgrim  bore  to  Plymouth  rock ; 
And  there  a  pair  of  goggles  lie, 
That  saw  the  red-coats  marching  by 


While  piles  of  club  and  rocker  skates 

Of  every  shape  the  buyer  waits ! 

Though  second-hand,  I  'm  sure  they  '11  do. 

And  serve  our  wants  as  well  as  new. 

That  place  we  '11  enter  as  we  may, 

To-morrow  night,  and  bear  away 

A  pah',  the  best  that  come  to  hand, 

For  every  member  of  the  band." 

At  once,  the  enterprise  so  bold 

Received  support  from  young  and  old. 
A  place  to  muster  near  the  town, 
And  meeting  hour  they  noted  down; 
And  then  retiring  for  the  night, 
They  soon  were  lost  to  sound  and  sight 

15 


When  evening  next  her  visit  paid 
Tq  fold  the  earth  in  robes  of  shade, 

From  out  the  woods 
across  the  mead, 
The  Brownies  gath- 
ered as  agreed, 
To    venture     boldly 
and  procure 


The  skates  that  would  their  fun  insure. 
As  mice  can  get  to  cake  and  cheese 
Without  a  key  whene'er  they  please, 
So,  cunning  Brownies  can  proceed 
And  help  themselves  to  what  they  need. 

16 


****£j0&W 


-j^*^ 


For  bolts  and  bars  they  little  care 
If  but  a  nail  is  wanting  tbere ! 
Or,  failing  tbis,  with  ease  descend 
Like  Santa  Claus  and  gain  tbeir  end 
As  children  to  tbe  windows  fly 
At  news  of  Jumbo  passing  by, 
So  rushed  tbe  eager  band  away 

To  fields  of  ice  without  delay 

1: 


Though  far  too  large  at  heel  and  toe, 

The  skates  were  somehow  made  to  go. 

But  out  behind  and  out  before, 

Lake  spurs,  they  stuck  a  span  or  more, 

Alike  afflicting  foe  and  friend 

In  bringing  journeys  to  an  end. 
They  had  their  slips  and  sudden  spreads, 
Where  heels  flew  higher  than  their  heads, 
As  people  do,  however  nice, 
When  venturing  first  upon  the  ice. 
?  But  soon  they  learned  to  curve  and  whea 

And  cut  fine  scrolls  with  scoring  steel, 
To  race  in  clusters  to  and  fro, 
To  jump  and  turn  and  backward  go, 
Until  a  rest  on  bed  so  cool, 
Was  more  the  wonder  than  the  rule. 


But  from  the  lake  they  all  withdrew 
Some  hours  before  the  night  was  through, 
And  hastened  back  with  lively  feet 
Through  narrow  lane  and  silent  street, 
Until  they  reached  the  broker's  door 
With  every  skate  that  left  the  store. 


And,  ere  the  first 
The  skates  were 
Of  their  brief  ab- 
Was  left  within  the 


faint  gleam  of  day. 
safely  stowed  away 
sence  not  a  trace 
dusty  place. 


18 


THE    BROWNIES    ON    BICYCLES. 


NE  evening  Brownies,  peeping  down 

From  bluffs  that  overlooked  the  town, 
Saw  wheelmen  passing  to  and  fro 
Upon  the  boulevard  below. 
"  It  seems,"  said  one, 
"  an  easy  trick, 
The   wheel    goes   'round    so 

smooth  and  quick ; 
You    simply    sit    and    work 

your  feet 
And  glide  with  grace  along 
the  street. 


19 


The  pleasure  would  be  fine  indeed 
If  we  could  thus  in  line  proceed." 

''Last  night,"  another  answer  made, 
'-:As  by  the  river's  bank  I  strayed, 
Where  here  and  there  a  building  stands, 
And  town  and  country-side  join  iiands, 
Before  me  stood  a  massive  wall 
With  engine-rooms  and  chimueys  talL 

"  To  scale  the  place  a  way  I  found, 
And,  creeping  in,  looked  aU  around; 


There  bicycles  of  every  grade 
Are  manufactured  for  the  trade; 
Some  made  for  baby  hands  to  guide, 
And  seme  for  older  folk  to  ride 


w 


"  Though  built  to  keep  intruders  out, 
With  shutters  thick  and  casings  stout, 
I  noticed  twenty  ways  or  more, 
By  roof,  by  window,  wall  and  door, 
Where  we,  by  exercising  skill, 
May  travel  in  and  out  at  will/' 

Another  spoke,  in  nowise  slow 
To  catch  at  pleasures  as  they  go, 

And  said,    "  Why  let  another  day 
Come  creeping  in  to  drag  away? 

Let's  active  measures  now  employ 
To  seize  at  once  the  promised  joy. 
On  bicycles  quick  let  us  ride, 
While  yet  our  wants  may  be  supplied." 


So  when  the  town  grew  hushed  and  still, 
The  Brownies  ventured  down  the  hill, 
And  soon  the  band  was 

drawing      nigh 
The  building  with 
the   chim- 
neys 
high. 


When  people 

lock  their  doors 

at  night, 

And  double-bolt  them  left  and  right, 

And  think  through  patents,  new  and  old 

To  leave  the  burglars  in  the  cold, 

21 


The  cunning  Brownies  smile  to  see 
The  springing  bolt  and  turning  key; 
For  well  they  know  if  fancy  leads 
Their  hand  to  venture  daring 

deeds, 
The    miser's    gold,    the    mer- 
chant's ware 
To  them  is  open  as  the  air. 


PAL1ilj  COX 


Not  long  could  door  or  windows  stand 
Fast  locked  before  the  Brownie  band ; 
And  soon  the  bicycles  they  sought 
From  every  room  and  bench  were  brought. 


22 


The  rogues  ere  long  began  to  show 
As  many  colors  as  the  bow ; 
For  paint  and  varnish  lately  spread. 
Besmeared  them  all  from  foot  to  head. 
Some  turned  to  jay-birds  in  a  minute, 
And  some  as  quick  might  shame  the  linnet  i 
While  more  with  crimson-tinted  breast 
Seemed  fitted  for  the  robin's  nest. 

But  whether  red  or  green  or  blue, 

The  work  on  hand  was  hurried  through ; 

They  took  the  wheels  from  blacksmith  fires. 

Though  wanting  bolts  and  even  tires, 

And  rigged  the  parts  with  skill  and  speed 

To  answer  well  their  pressing  need. 

And  soon,  enough  were  made  complete 

To  give  the  greater  part  a  seat, 

And  let  the  rest  through  cunning  find 

Some  way  of  hanging  on  behind. 

And  then  no  spurt  along  the  road, 

Or  'round  the  yard  their  courage  showed, 

But  twenty  times  a  measured  mile 

They  whirled  away  in  single  file, 

Or  bunched  together  in  a  crowd 

If  width  of  road  or  skill  allowed. 

At  times,  while  rolling  down  the  grade, 

Collisions  some  confusion  made, 

For  every  member  of  the  band, 

At  steering  wished  to  try  his  hand ; 

Though  some,  perhaps,  were  not   designed 

For  labor  of  that  special  kind. 


23 


But  Brownies  are  the  folk  to  bear 

Misfortunes  with  unruffled  ah ; 

So  on  through  rough  and  smooth  they  spun 

Until  the  turning-point  was  won. 

Then  back  they  wheeled  with  every  spoke, 

An  hour  before  the  thrush  awoke. 


24 


THE    BROWNIES    AT    LAWN-TENNIS. 


NE  evening  as  the  woods  grew  dark. 
The  Brownies  wandered  through  a  park, 

And  soon  a  building,  quaint  and  small, 

Appeared  to  draw  the  gaze  of  all. 

Said  one  :  "  This  place  contains,  no  doubt, 

The  tools  of  workmen  hereabout." 

Another  said:   "You're  quite  astray, 

The  workmen's  tools  are  miles  away ; 

Within  this  building  may  lie  found 

The  fixtures  for  the  tennis  ground. 

A  meadow  near,  both  long  and  wide, 

For  half  the  year  is  set  aside, 

And  marked  with  many  a  square  and  court, 

For  those  who  love  the  royal  sport. 

On  afternoons  assembled  there, 

The  active  men  and  maidens  fan 

Keep  up  the  game  until  the  day 

Has  faded  into  evening  gray." 
"In  other  lands  than  those  we  tread, 

1  played  the  game,"  another  said, 
'"And  proved  my  skill  and  muscle  stout, 

As  '  server '  and  as  l  striker -out.' 


tikk 


The  lock  that  hangs  hefore  us  there 
Bears  witness  to  the  keeper's  care, 
And  tramps  or  burglars  might  go  by, 
If  such  a  sign  should  meet  the  eye. 
But   we,   who   laugh   at      __ ____ ^_____^___ 

locks  or-  law 
Designed  to   keep  man- 
kind in  awe, 
May  praise  the  keeper's 

cautious  mind,  ^^S^m^^W1^ 

But  ah  the  same  an  en-       ifffSMBBP 
trance  find."  ^^^^^^ 


\  . 


^£*- 


m 


BlBlS 


llUH 


l£&$^ti^<^^?&&tffi^&g-@& 


J?AlM£f>_  COX 


26 


Ere  long,  the  path  that  lay  between 
The  building  and  the  meadow  green, 
Was  crowded  with  the  bustling  throng. 
All  hearing  implements  along; 
Some  lugging  stakes  or  racket  sets. 
And  others  buried  up  in  nets. 
To  set  the  posts  and  mark  the  ground 
The  proper  size  and  shape  arouna, 


27 


With  service-line  and  line  of  base, 
And  courts,  both,  left  and  right,  ui  olace, 
Was  work  that  caused  but  slight  delay; 
And  soon  the  sport  was  under  way. 
And  then  a  strange  and  stirring  scene 
Was  pictured  out  upon  the  green. 


Some  watched  the  game  and  noted  well 
Where  this  or  that  one  would  excel. 


And  shouts  and  calls  that  filled  the  air 
Proved  even-handed  playing  there. 
With  anxious  looks  some  kept  the  score, 
And  shouted  '"vantage  !  "  "  game  all !  "  or 
To  some,  "  love,  forty !  " — "  deuce ! "  to  more. 
But  when  "  deuce  set ! >v  the  scorer  cried, 
Applause  would  ring  on  every  side. 
At  times  so  hot  the  contest  grew, 
Established  laws  aside  they  threw, 
And  in  the  game  where  four  should  stand, 
At  least  a  dozen  took  a  hand. 
Some  tangled  in  the  netting  lay 
And  some  from  base-lines  strayed  away 
Some  hit  the  ball  when  out  of  place 
Oi  scrambled  through  unlawful  space. 
But  still  no  game  was  forced  to  halt 
Because  of  this  or  greater  fault. 

2S 


V-fALMOi  CM 


And  there  they  sported  on  the  lawn 
Until  the  ruddy  streaks  of  dawn 
Gave  warning  that  the  day  was  near, 
And  Brownies  all  must  disappear. 


29 


'jPWhEL  •   —2 


■Mite 


3y  [^  -    -.^ 


THE    BROWNIES1    GOOD    WORK. 


One  time,  while  Brownies  passed  around 

An  honest  farmer's  piece  of  ground, 

They  paused  to  view  the  garden  fair 

And  fields  of  grain  that  needed  care. 

My  Mends,"  said  one  who  often  spoke 

About  the  ways  of  human  folk, 

"  Now  here  's  a  case  in  point,  I  claim, 

==-_r_ ~\  Where  neighbors  scarce  deserve  the  name 

This  farmer  on  his  back  is  laid 
With  broken  ribs  and  shoulder-blade, 
Received,  I  hear,  some  weeks  ago; 
While  at  the  village  here  below, 

He    checked    a 


running  team, 

to  save 
Some     children 

from  an  early 

grave. 
Now      overripe 

his       harvest 

stands 
In    waiting    for 

the      reaper7? 

hands ; 
The     piece     of 

wheat  we 

lately  passed 
Is    shelling    out 

at  every  blast, 


30 


Unless  you  come 
We  '11  not  be  worth 
The  corn  is  breaking 
The  hens  around  the 
And  with  their  ever 
May  pick  the  ker- 
His  neighbors  are  a 
Who     Ve     such      a 


Those  pumpkins  in  that  corner  plot 

Begin  to  show  the  signs  of  rot ; 

The  mold  has  fastened  on  then"  skin, 

The  ripest  ones  are  caving  in, 

And  soon  the  pig  in  yonder  sty 

With  scornful  grunt  would  pass 
them  by. 

His  Early  Rose  potatoes  there 

Are  much  in  need  of  light  and  ah*; 

The  turnip  withers  where  it  hes, 

The  beet  and  carrot  "want  to  rise. 
'•  Oh,  pull  us  up ! '  they  seem  to  cry 

To  every  one  that  passes  by ; 
'  The  frost  will  finish  our  repose, 

The  grubs  are  working  at  our  toes ; 

and  save  us  soon, 


g  £$&■ 


a  picayune ! ' 

■from  the  stalk, 

kill  can  walk, 

ready  bill 

nels  at  their  will. 

sordid  crowd, 

shameful  waste   allowed' 


So  wrapped  in  self  some  men  can  be, 
Beyond  their  purse  they  seldom  see ; 
'T  is  left  for  us  to  play  the  friend 
And  here  a  helping  hand  extend. 
But  as  the  wakeful  chanticleer 
Is  crowing  in  the  stable  near, 
Too  little  of  the  present  night 
Is  left  to  set  the  matter  right. 


"To-morrow  eve,  at  that  dark  hour 
When  birds  grow  still  in  leafy  bower 
And  bats  forsake  the  ruined  pile 
To  exercise  their  wings  awhile, 
In  yonder  shady  grove  we  '11  meet, 
With  all  our  active  force  complete, 
Prepared  to  give  this  farmer  aid 
With  basket,  barrel,  hook,  and  spade. 


M^mh 


32 


But,  ere  we  part,  one  caution  more 
Let  some  invade  a  druggist's  store, 
And  bring  along  a  coated  pill ; 


We  11  dose  the  dog  to  keep  him  still. 
For  harking  dogs,  however  kind, 
Can  oft  disturb  a  Brownie's  mind." 
— -When  next  the  bat  of  evening  flew, 
And  drowsy  things  of  day  withdrew, 
When  beetles  droned  across  the  lea, 
And  turkeys  sought  the  safest  tree 
To  form  aloft  a  social  row 
And  criticise  the  fox  below, — 
Then  cunning  Brownies  might  be  seen 
Advancing  from  the  forest  green  ; 
Now  lumping  fences,  as  they  ran, 
Now  crawling  through   <a  safer  plan); 
Now  keeping  to  the  roads  awhile, 
Now  "  cutting  corners,"  country  style  . 
Some  bearing  hoes,  and  baskets  more^ 
Some  pushing  barrows  on  before, 
While  others,   swinging  sickles  bright. 
Seemed  eager  for  the  grain  in  sight. 
But  in  advance  of  all  the  throng 
Three  daring  Brownies  moved  along, 
Whose  duty  was  to  venture  close 
And  give  the  barking  dog  his  dose 

33 


Now  soon  the  work  was  under  way, 
Each  chose  the  part  he  was  to  play  : 
While  some  who  handled  hoes  the  best 
Brought  "Early  Roses"  from  their  nest, 
To  timiip-tops  some  laid  their  hands, 
More  plied  the  hook,  or  twisted  hands. 
And  soon  the  sheaves  lay  piled  around, 
Like  heroes  on  disputed  ground. 
Now  let  the  eye  turn  where  it  might, 
A  pleasing  prospect  was  in  sight ; 
For  garden  ground  or  larger  field 
Alike  a  busy  crowd  revealed  : 
Some  pulhng  carrots  from  their  bed, 
Some  bearing  burdens  on  then  head, 
Or  working  at  a  fever   heat 
"While   prying  out  a  monster  beet. 
Now  here  two  heavy  loads  have  met, 
And  there  a  barrow  has  upset, 

While  workers  every  effort  strain 
The  rolling  pumpkins  to  regain ; 

And  long  before  the  stars  with- 
drew, 
The    crop   was    safe,   the   work 

was  through. 
In  shocks  the  com,  secure  and 

good, 
Now  hke  a  Sioux  encampment 

stood ; 
The    wheat  was   safely    stowed 

away ; 
In    bins    the    "  Early    Roses " 
lay, 


34 


"While  carrots,  tur- 
nips, beets,  and  all 

Received  attention, 
great  and  small. 

When  morning  dawn- 
ed, no  sight  or  sound 

Of  friendly  Brownies 
coidd  he  found; 

And  when  at  last  old 
Towser  broke 

The  spell,  and  from 
his  slumber  woke, 

He  rushed  around,  be- 
lieving still 

Some  mischief  lay  be- 
hind the  pill. 

But  though  the  fields 
looked  bare  and 
strange, 

His  mind  could  hardly 
grasp  the  change. 

And  when  the  fanner 
learned  at  morn 


That  safe  from  harm  were  wheat  and  corn, 
That  all  his  barley,  oats,  and  rye 
Were  in  the  barn,   secure  and  dry, 
That  carrots,  beets,  and  turnips  round 
W^ere  safely  taken  from  the  ground, 
The  honest  farmer  thought,  of  course, 
His  neighbors  had  turned  out  in  force 
While  helpless   on  the  bed  he  lay,       iBjjLr 
And  kindly  stowed  his  crop  away. 


But  when  he  thanked  them  for  then*  aid, 
And  hoped  they  vet  might  he  repaid 
For  acting  such  a  friendly  part, 
His  words   appeared  to  pierce  each  heart-. 
For  well  they  knew  that  other  hands 
Than  theirs  had  laid  his  grain  in  hands, 
That  other  backs  had  bent  in  toil 
To  save  the  products  of  the  soil. 
And  then  they  felt  as  such  folk  will 
Who  fail  to  nobly  act,   until 
More  earnest  helpers,   stepping  in, 
Do  aU  the  praise  and  honor  win. 


THE    BROWNIES    AT    THE    GYMNASIUM. 


HE  Brownies  once,  while  roaming  'round, 
By  chance  approached  a  college  ground ; 
And,  as  they  skirmished  every  side, 
A  large  gymnasium  they  espied. 
Their  eyes  grew  bright  as  they  surveyed 
The  means  for  exercise  displayed. 

The  club,  the  weight,  the  hanging  ring, 

The  horizontal  bar,  and  swing, 


The  boxing-gloves 
Of  him  who  loves 
All  brought  expres- 
As  one  by  one  they 
The  time  was  short, 
That     named     the 


that  please  the  heart 
the  manly  art, 
sions  of  dehght, 
came  in  sight, 
and  words  were  few 
work  for  each  to  do 


36 


Their  mystic  art,  as  may  be  found 
On  pages  now  in  volumes  bound, 
Was  quite  enough  to  bear  them  in 
Through  walls  of  wood  and  roofs  of  tin. 

No  hasp  can  hold,  no  bolt   can 
stand 

Before  the  Brownie's  tiny  baud;  .4(1"^ 


Said  one:  "The  clubs  let  me  obtain 

That  Indians  use  upon  the  plain, 

And  here  I  '11  stand  to  test  my  power, 

And  swing  them  'round  my  head  an  horn' ; 

Though  not  the  largest  in  the  band, 

I  claim  to  own  no  infant  hand; 

And  muscle  in  this  arm  you  '11  meet 

That  well  might  grace  a  trained  athlete. 

Two  goats  once  blocked  a  mountain  pass, 
Contending  o'er  a  tuft  of  grass. 
Important  messages  of  state 
Forbade  me  there  to  stand  and  wait ; 
Without  a  pause,  the  pair  I  neared 
__  And  seized  the  larger  by  the  beard ; 
I  dragged  him  from  his  panting  foe 
And  hurled  him  to  the  plain  below." 


"For     clubs,"    a    second     an- 
swered there, 
"  Or  heavy  weights  I  little  care ; 

Let   those   by  generous   nat- 
ure planned 

At    heavy   lifting    try    then1 
hand; 

But  give  me  bar  or  give  me 
ring, 

Where   I   can   turn,  contort, 
and  swing, 

And  I  '11  outdo,  with   move- 
ments fine, 

The    monkey  on   his   tropic 
vine." 


38 


Thus  skill  and  strength  and  wind  they  tried 
By  means  they  found  on  every  side. 

Some  claimed  at  onee  the  high  trapeze, 

And  there  performed  with  grace  and  ease ; 

They  turned  and  tumbled  left  and  right, 

As  though  they  held  existence  light. 

At  times  a  finger-tip  was  all 

Between  theiu  and  a  fearful  fall. 

On  strength  of  toes  they  now  depend. 

Or  now  on  coat-tails  of  a  friend- — 

And  had  that  cloth  been  less  than  best 

That  looms  could  furnish,  east  or    West, 

Some  members  of  the  Brownie  race 

Might  now  be  missing  from  then  place 

39 


But  fear,  we  know,  scarce  ever  finds 
A  home  within  their  active  minds. 
And  little  danger  they  could  see 
In  what  would  trouble  you  or  me. 
Some  stood  to  prove  their  muscle  strong, 
And  swung  the  clubs  both  large  and  long 
That  men  who  met  to  practice  there 
Had  often  found  no  light  affair. 

they    found    as 
they  ran, 
then  a  "tug-of-war" 
began ; 
First  over  benches,  stools, 
and  chairs, 
Then  up  and   down  the  wind- 
ing stairs, 
They  pulled  and  hauled  and  tugged 
around, 
Now  giving  up,  now  gaining  ground, 
Some  lost  their  footing  at  the  go, 
And  on  their  backs  slid  to  and  fro 
"Without  a  chance  their  state  to  mend 
Until  the  contest  found  an  end. 


Then*  coats  from  tail  to  collar  rent 
Showed  some  through  trying  treatment  went, 
And  more,  with  usage  much  the  same, 
All  twisted  out  of  shape,  and  lame, 
Had  scarce  a  button  to  then  name. 

40 


The  judge  selected  for  the  case 
Ran  here  and  there  about  the  place 
With  warning  cries  and  gesture  wide, 
And  seemed  unable  to  decide. 


And  there  they  might  be  tug- 
ging still, 

With  equal  strength  and  equal 
will — 

But  while  they  struggled,  stars 
withdrew 

And  bints  of  morning  broader 
grew, 

Tdl  arrows  from  the  rising  sun 

Soon  made  them  drop  the  rope 
and  run. 


SSL^.  A 


THE    BROWNIES'    FEAST. 


i*N  best  of  spirits,  blithe  and  free, — 
As  Brownies  always  seem  to  be, — 
A  jovial  band,  with  hop  and  leap, 
Were  passing  through  a  forest  deep, 
When  in  an  open  space  they  spied 
A  heavy  caldron,  large  and  wide, 
Where  woodmen,  working  at  their  trade, 
A  rustic  boiling-place  had  made. 
'My  friends,"  said  one,  "a  chance  like  this 
No  cunning  Brownie  band  should  miss. 
All  unobserved,  we  may  prepare 
And  boil  a  pudding  nicely  there ; 

Some  dying  embers  smolder  still 
Which  we  may  soon  revive  at  will; 
And  by  the  roots  of  yonder  tree 
A  brook  goes  babbling  to  the  sea. 
At  Parker's  mill,  some  miles  below, 
They  're  grinding  flour  as  white  as  snow 
An  easy  task  for  us  to  bear 
Enough  to  serve  our  ueed  from  there  j 

4?, 


1  noticed,  as  I  passed  to-night, 
A  window  with  a  broken  light, 
And  through  the  opening  we  '11  pour 
Though  holts  and  bars  he  on  the  door." 
"  And  I,"  another  Brownie  cried, 
"Will  find  the  plums  and  currants  dried; 
I  '11  have  some  here  in  half  an  hour 
To  sprinkle  thickly  through  the  flour; 
So  stir  yourselves,  and  hear  in  mind 
That  some  must  spice  and  sugar  find." 
"I  know,"  cried  one,"  where  hens  have  made 
Their  nest  beneath  the  bmdock  shade  — 
I  saw  them  stealing  out  with  care 
To  lay  their  eggs  in  secret  there. 

The  farmer's  wife,  through  sun  and  rain, 
Has  sought  to  find  that  nest  hi  vain : 
They  cackle  by  the  wall  of  stones, 

The  hollow  stump  and  pile  of  bones, 
And  by  the  ditch  that  hes  below, 
Where  yellow  weeds  and  nettles  grow; 
And  draw  her  after  everywhere 
Until  she  emits  them  in  despair. 
The  task  be  mine  to  thither  lead 
A  band  of  comrades  now  with  speed, 
To  help  me  bear  a  tender  load 
Along  the  rough  and  rugged  road." 
Away,  away,  on  every  side, 
At  once  the  lively  Brownies  ghde ; 
Some  after  plums,  more  'round  the  bill  — 
The  shortest  way  to  reach  the  mill  — 
While  some  on  wings  and  some  on  legs 
Go  darting  off  to  find  the  eggs. 

43 


A  few  remained  upon  the  spot 

To  build  a  fire  beneath  the  pot ; 

Some  gathered  bark  from  trunks  of  trees, 

"While  others,  on  their  hands  and  knees, 

Around  the  embers  puffed  aril  blew 

Until  the  sparks  to  blazes  grew ; 

And  scarcely  was  the  kindling  burned 

Before  the  absent  ones  returned. 

All  loaded  down  they  came,  in  groups, 

In  couples,  singly,  and  in  troops. 


Upon  their  shoulders,  heads,  and  backs 
They  bore  along  the  floiuy  sacks ; 
With  plums  and  currants  others  came, 
Each  bag  and  basket  filled  the  same ; 

While    those    who    gave 

the  hens  a  call 
Had      taken      nest-egg, 

nest,  and  aU ; 
And    more,    a    pressing 
want  to  meet, 
From  some  one's  line  had  hauled  a  sheet, 
The  monstrous  pudding  to  infold 
While  in  the  boiling  pot  it  rolled. 
The  rogues  were  flom*  from  head  to  feet 
Before  the  mixture  was  complete. 
Like  snow-birds  in  a  drift  of  snow 
They  worked  and  elbowed  in  the  dough, 
Till  every  particle  they  brought 
Was  in  the  mass  before  them  wrought. 
And  soon  the  sheet  around  the  pile 
Was  wrapped  in  most  artistic  style. 
Then  every  plan  and  scheme  was  tried 
To  hoist  it  o'er  the  caldron's  side. 
At  times,  it  seemed  about  to  fall, 
And  overwhelm  or  bury  all ; 
Yet  none  forsook  their  post  through  fear, 
But  harder  worked  with  danger  near. 
They  pulled  and  hauled  and  orders  gave, 
And  pushed  and  pried  with  ffi 

stick  and  stave,  jtnOLM  ■  Q  ^ 


45 


^Utrrs  'cox 


Until,  in  spite  of  height  and  heat, 
They  had  performed  the  trying  feat 

To  take  the  pudding  from  the  pot 

They  might  hare  found  as  hard  and  hot. 

But  water  on  the  fire  they  threw, 

And  then  to  work  again  they  flew. 

And  soon  the  steaming  treasure  sat 

Upon  a  stone  both  broad  and  flat, 

"Which  answered  for  a  table  grand, 

When  nothing  better  was  at  hand. 

46 


-9 


iSonie  think  that  Brownies  never  eat, 
But  Eve  on  odors  soft  and  sweet. 
That  through  the  verdant  woods  proceed 
Or  steal  across  the  dewy  mead; 
But  those  who  could  have  gained  a  sight 
Of  them,  around  their  padding  white, 
Would  have  perceived  that  elves  of  air 
Can  relish  more  suhstantial  fare. 

They  clustered  close,  and  delved  and  ate 
Without  a  knife    a  spoon,  or  plate  ; 
Some  picking  out  the  plums  with  care, 
And  leaving  all  the  pastry  there. 
While  some  let  plums  and  currants  go, 
But  paid  attention  to  the  dough. 
The  purpose  of  each  Brownie's  mind 
Was  not  to  leave  a  crumb  behind, 
That,  when  the  morning  sun  should  shine 
Through  leafy  tree  and  clinging  vine, 
No  traces  of  their  sumptuous  feast 
it      might      reveal      to  man  or  beast ; 

And  well  they  gauged      jr        A  ^N.       what  all  could  bear, 
When     they    their       /        sMzL.      \      pudding  did  prepare; 
For  when  the  rich  ^83?'  repast  was  done, 

The     rogues    could      V  Jg£^ieL%,w.    I      neither  fry  nor  ran. 
—The    miller    never     \^^^  J/      missed  his  flour, 
tTor    Brownies    wield   a  mystic  power: 

Whate'er  they  take  they  can  restore 
In  greater  plenty  than  before- 


THE   BROWNIES 


TOBOGGANING 


Ail  clustered  in  a  ring  they  stood 
Within  the  shelter  of  the  wood, 
While  earnest  faces  brighter  grew 
At  thought  of  enterprises  new. 
Jit!  Said  one,  "  It  seems  that  all  the  rage, 
With  human  kind  of  every  age, 
Is  on  toboggans  swift  to  shde 
Down  steepest  hill  or  mountain  side. 
Our  plans  at  once  we  must  prepare, 
And  try,  omselves,  that  pleasure  rare. 
We  might  enough  toboggans  find 
In  town,  perhaps,  of  every  kind, 
If  some  one  chanced  to  know  where  they 
Awaiting  sale  are  stowed  away." 

Another  spoke :  "  Within  us  lies 
The  power  to  make  our  own  supplies; 
We  '11  not  depend  on  other  hands 
To  satisfy  these  new  demands ; 
The  merchants'  wares  we  '11  let  alone 
And  make  toboggans  of  our  own ; 
A  lumber-yard  some  miles  from  here 
Holds  seasoned  lumber  all  the  year. 
There  pine  and  cedar  may  be  found, 

And  oak  and  ash  are  piled  around. 

Some  boards  are  thick  and  some  are 
thin, 

But  all  will  bend  like  sheets  of  tin. 

At  once  we  '11  hasten  to  the  spot, 

And,  though  a  fence  surrounds  the  lot, 

We  '11  skirmish  'round  and  persevere, 

And  gain  an  entrance, —  never  fear." 

49 


■WWMM 


This  brouglit  a  smile  to  every  face, 
For  Brownies  love  to  elinib  and  race, 
And  undertake  such  work  as  will 
^P?1     Bring  into  play  their  wondrous  skill. 

The  pointers  on  the  dial  plate 
:     Could  hardly  mark  a  later  date, 
Before  they  scampered  o'er  the  miles 
That  brought  them  to  the  lumber  piles, 
And  then  they  clambered,  crept,  and  squeezed, 
And  gained  admittance  whei  e  they  pleased ; 
For  other  ways  than  builders  show 
To  scale  a  wall  the  Brownies  know. 

Some  sought  for  birch,  and  some  for  pine, 

And  some  for  cedar,  soft  and  hue. 

With  free  selection  well  content  S^^w 

Soon  under  heavy  load,  they  bent 

It  chanced  to  be  a  windy 

night, 
Which    made    their 
labor      far      from 
light, 
But, though  a  heavy 

tax  was  laid 
On    strength     and 
patience,      undis- 
mayed 
They    worked    their 
way   by   hook   or 
crook. 
And  readied  at  last 
a  sheltered  nook : 


Then  lively  work  the  crowd 

began 
To  make  toboggans  true  to 
plan. 
The  force  was  large,  the  rogues  had  skill, 
And  hands  were  willing — better  still; 
So  here  a  twist,  and  there  a  bend, 
Soon  brought  their  labors  to  an  end. 
Without  the  aid  of  steam  or  glue, 
They    curved   them   like   a    war 

canoe ; 
Xo  little  forethought  some  dis- 
played, 
But       wisely       "double-enders" 

made, 
That  should  they  turn,  as  turn 

they  might, 
They'd     keep     the     downward 

course  aright; 
They   fashioned   some  for   three 

or  four. 
And  some  to  carry  eight  or  more, 

While  some  were  made  to  take  a  crowd 
And  room  for  half  the  band  allowed. 
Before  the  middle  watch  of  night, 
The  Brownies  sought  the  mountain  height, 
And  down  the  steepest  grade  it  showed 
The  band  in  wild  procession  rode; 
Some  lay  at  length,  some  found  a  seat ; 
Some  bravely  stood  on  bracing  feet. 
But  trouble,  as  you  understand, 
Oft  moves  with  pleasure,  hand  in  hand, 


And  even  Brownies  were  not  free 
From  evil  snag  or  stubborn  tree 
That  split  toboggans  like  a  quill, 
And  scattered  riders  down  the  bill. 


'WLyN-ll^J     -.'''J         }i^V 


PALMEUCQX. 


With  pitch  and  toss  and  plunge  they  flew, — 
Some  skimmed  the  drifts,  some  tunneled  through; 
Then  out  across  the  frozen  plain 
At  dizzy  speed  they  shot  amain, 


52 


Through    splintered   rails    and 
flying  gates 

'£%>■/      Of  half  a  dozen  large  estates; 

ri'r 

W>.      Until  it  seemed  that  ocean  wide 

Alone 

could 

check  the 
'110;?  fearful  ride. 
Some,    growing 
dizzy  with  the  speed, 
At  times  a  friendly  hand  would  need 
To   help  them  keep  then*  proper  grip 
Through   all   the   dangers    of    the    trip. 

And  thus  until  the  stars  had  waned, 
The  sport  of  coasting  was  maintained. 
Then,  while  they  sought  with  lively  race 
In  deeper  woods  a  hiding-place, 
"  How  strange,"  said  one,  "  we  never  tried 
Till  now  the  wild  toboggan  ride  ! 

But  since  we  Ve  proved  the  pleasure 

fine 
That 's  found  upon  the  steep  incline, 
We  '11  often  muster  on  the  height, 
And  make  the  most  of  every  night, 
Until  the  rains  of  spring  descend 
And    bring    such    pleasures    to    an 

end." 
Another  answered  frank  and  free : 
"  In  all  such  musters  count  on  me ; 
For  though  my  back  is  badly  strained, 
My  elbow- joint  and  ankle  sprained, 

53 


I  '11  be  the  first  upon  the 

ground 
As  long  as  patch  of  snow 

is  found, 
And  bravely  do  my  part 

to  steer 
Toboggans  on  their  wild 

career 

80    every    evening,  foul 

or  fair, 
The      jovial      Brownies 

gathered  there, 
Till    with    the    days    of 

Spring,  at  last, 
Came  drenching  shower 

and  melting  blast, 
Which  sent  the  mountain's 

ice  and  snow 
To   fill  the  rivers  miles 

below. 


54 


THE    BROWNIES'   BALLOON. 


While  rambling  through  the  forest  shade, 
A  sudden  halt  some  Brownies  made; 
For  spread  about  on  bush  and  ground 
An  old  balloon  at  rest  they  found, 
That  wliile  upon  some  flying  trip 
Had  given  aeronauts  the  slip. 
And,  falling  here  in  foliage  green, 
Through  aU  the  summer  lay    unseen. 
The  Brownies  gathered  fast  to  stare 
Upon  the  monster  lying  there, 


55 


And  when  they  learned  the  use  and  plan 
Of  valves  and  ropes,  the  rogues  began 
To  lay  then*  schemes  and  name  a  night 
When  all  could  take  an  any  flight. 
"  We  want,"  said  one,  "  no  tame  affair, 
Like  some  that  rise  with  heated  ah, 
And  hardly  clear  the  chimney-top 
Before  they  lose  then*  life  and  drop. 
The  bag  with  gas  must  be  supplied, 
That  will  insure  a  lengthy  ride ; 
When  we  set  sail  't  is  not  to  fly 
Above  a  spire  and  call  it  high. 
The  boat,  or  basket,  must  be  strong, 
Designed  to  take  the  crowd  along ; 
For  that  which  leaves  a  part  behind 
Woidd    hardly    suit    the    Brownie 

mind. 
The  works  that  serve  the  town  of  Bray 
With  gas  are  scarce  two  miles  away. 
To-morrow  night  we  '11  come  and  bear, 

As  best  we  can,  this  burden  there; 
And  when  inflated,  fit  to  rise, 
We'll  take  a  sail  around  the  skies." 


Next  evening,  as  the  scheme  was  planned, 
The  Brownies  promptly  were  on  hand. 
For  when  some  pleasiue  lies  in  view, 
The  absentees  are  always  few. 
But  't  was  no  easy  task  to  haul 
The  old  balloon,  ear.  ropes  and  all, 
Across  the  rocks  and  fallen  trees 
And  through  the  marshes  to  then  knees. 

56 


But  Brownies,  persevering  still, 
Will  keep  their  course  through  every  ill, 
And  in  the  main,  as  history  shows, 
Succeed  in  aught  they  do  propose. 


T — V     V!k 


So,  though  it  cost  them  rather  dear, 
In  scratches  there  and  tumbles  here, 
They  worked  until  the  wondrous  feat 
Of  transportation  was  complete. 


57 


Then  while  some  busy  fingers  played 
Around  the  rents  that  branches  made, 
An  extra  coil  of  rope  was  tied 
In  long  festoons  around  the  side, 
That  all  the  party,  young  and  old, 
Might  find  a  trusty  seat  or  hold. 
And  whfle  they  worked,  they  chatted  free 
About  the  wonders  they  woidd  see. 
Said  one :  "  As  smoothly  as  a  kite, 
We  '11  rise  above  the  clouds  to-night, 
And  may  the  question  settle  soon, 
About  the  surface  of  the  moon." 
Now  aU  was  ready  for  the  gas, 
And  soon  the  lank  and  tangled  mass 
Began  to  flop  about  and  rise, 
As  though  impatient  for  the  skies ; 
Then  was  there  work  for  eveiy  hand 
That  could  be  mustered  in  the  band, 
To  keep  the  growing  monster  low 
Until  they  stood  prepared  to  go ; 
To  this  and  that  they  made  it  fast, 
Round   stones  and    stakes    the 


But  strong  it  grew  and  stronger  still, 
As  every  wrinkle  seemed  to  fill ; 
And  when  at  last  it  bounded  clear, 
And  started  on  its  wild  career, 
A  rooted  stump  and  garden  gate, 
It  carried  off  as  special  freight. 

Though  all  the  Brownies  went,  a  part 

Were  not  m  proper  shape  to  start ; 

Arrangements  hardly  were  complete, 

Some  wanted  room  and  more  a  seat, 

While  some  in  acrobatic  style 

Must  put  then  trust  in  toes  awhile. 

But  Brownies  are  not  hard  to  please, 

And  soon  they  rested  at  then  ease; 

Some  found  support,  both  safe   and   strong, 

Upon  the  gate  that  went  along, 

By  some  the  stump  was  utilized, 

And  furnished  seats  they  highly  prized. 

Now,  as  they  rose  they  ran  aford 
Of  screaming  hawk  and  hooting  owl, 
And  flitting  bats  that  hooked  then  wings 
At  once  around  the  ropes  and  strings, 

59 


As  though  content  to  there  abide 
And  take  the  chances  of  the  ride. 
On  passing  through  a  heavy  cloud, 
One  thus  addressed  the  moistened  crowd 
"Although  the  earth,  from  which  we  rise, 
Now  many  miles  below  us  lies, 
To  sharpest  eye,  strain  as  it  may, 
The  moon  looks  just  as  far  away." 
"The  earth  is  good  enough  for  me!" 
Another    said,    "with 


And  shady  groves,  of 
Will  some  one  give  the 
And  soon  they  all  were 
To    start    upon    a 

But  once  the  gas 
They  lost  the  power 
The  more  they  tried 
The   more   it    seemed 


grassy  lea, 
songsters  full.— 
valve  a  pull?" 
well  content, 
mild  descent. 


commenced  to  go, 
to  check  the  flow; 
control  to  gain, 
to  rush  amain. 
Then  some  began 
to  wring  their 
hands, 
And  more  to  vol- 
unteer      com- 
mands ; 
While  some  were 
craning  out  to 
view 
What     part     of    earth     their    wreck 

would    strew, 
A  marshy  plain,  a  rocky  shore, 
Or  ocean  with  its  sullen  roar. 

60 


It  happened  as  they  neareci 
the  ground, 

A  rushing  gale  was  sweep- 
ing round, 

That  caught  and  carried  them 
with  speed 

Across  the  forest 
and  the  mead. 

Then  lively  catch- 
ing might  be 
seen 

At  cedar  tops  and 
branches  green; 

While  still  the 
stump  behind 
them  swung, 

On  this  it  caught, 
to  that  it  hung, 

And,  as  an  anchor, 


played  a  part 


They  little  thought  of  at  the  start. 
At  length,  in  spite  of  sweeping  blast, 
Some  friendly  branches  held  them  fast : 
Aid  then,  descending,  safe  and  sound, 
The  daring  Brownies  reached  the  ground 
But  in  the  tree-top  on  the  hill 
The  old  balloon  is  hanging  still, 
And  saves  the  farmers  on  the  plain 
From  placing  scare-crows  in  their  grain. 


61 


THE   BROWNIES    CANOEING. 


S  day  in  shades  of  evening  sank, 
The  Brownies  reached  a  river  bank ; 
And  there  awhile  stood  gazing  down 
At  students  from  a  neighboring  town, 

Whose   light    canoes    charmed 

every  eye, 
As  one  by  one  they  floated  by. 
HI        Said    one,   "We  '11    foUow   as 
they  go, 
Until  they  gain  the  point  below. 


There    stands    a    house,   but 

lately  made, 
Wherein  the  club's  effects  are 

laid ; 
We  '11    take   possession   after 

dark, 
-^SV^S^*^^  ^  And  in  these   strange   affair's 

embark." 

They  all  declared,  at  any  cost, 
A  chance  like  this  should  ne  'er  be  lost ; 
^:  And  keeping  well  the  men  in  sight 

J3ft/r  They  followed  closely  as  they  might. 

J^^L.        m*  The  moon  was  climbing  o'er  the  hill, 

*Jt«  The  owl  was  hooting  by  the  mill, 

'  **"'  When  from  the  building  en  the  sands 

.  The  boats  were   shoved  with  willing 
J£^         bands. 

;  M  A  "  Shadow  "  model  some  explored, 

V  And  then  well -pleased  they  rushed  on 
board ; 

JjRbjf  The  open  "  Peterboro',"  too, 

9  Found  its  supporters — and  a  crew. 

fc^SRP.  The   Indian  "Birch-bark"  seemed  too 
frail 

^^  And  lacked  the  adjunct  of  a  sail, 

JMb*  Yet  of  a  load  it   did   not 

*  For  all  the  boats  were  in        &        J^  jgk 

\ggp  demand;  *t  JEL   1P~l9B[****~wf*a~* 

_J^pV  As  well  those  whicb  with  \j|  *^ r*^    ^y  ' 
^\    %»4-  skill  were  planned  ^ 


* 


63 


By  men  of  keenest  judgment  ripe, 
As  those  of  humbler,  home-made  type. 
And  soon  away  sailed  all  the  fleet 
With  every  Brownie  in  his  seat. 


The  start  was  promising  and  fine  : 
With  little  skill  and  less  design 
They  steered  along  as  suited  best, 
And  let  the  current  do  the  rest. 

64 


All  nature  seemed  to  be  aware 

That   something  strange  was  stirring  there. 

The  owl  to-whooed,  the  raven  croaked; 

The  mink  and  rat  with  caution  poked 
Then  heads  above  the  wave,  aghast ; 
While  frogs  a  look  of  wonder  cast 
And  held  then  breath  till  all  had  passed,  v  j^,  ..|.  i^a^^S^^ 


vm 


As  every  stream  will  show  a  bend, 
If  one  explores  from  end  to  end, 


a 


Milt 


65 


Was  wild  enough 
At  times  it  tum- 
O  'er  shelving  rocks 
At  times  it  formed 
A  brood  of  whirl- 
That  with  each  oth- 
As    fated    objects 


So  every  river,  great  and  small, 

Must  have  its  rapids  and  its  fall; 

And  those  who  on  its  surface  glide 

O'er  rough  as  well  as  smooth  must  ride. 

The  stream  whereon  had  started  out 

The  Brownie  band  in  gleeful  rout 

to  please  a  trout, 
bled  on  its  way 
and  bowlders  gray, 
from  side  to  side 
pools  deep  and  wide, 
er  seemed  to  vie 
drifted  nigh. 


Ere  long  each  watchful  Brownie  there, 
Of  all  these  facts  grew  well  aware; 
Some  losing  faith,  as  people  will, 
In  their  companions'  care  or  skill, 
Would  seize  the  paddle  for  a  time, 

Until  a  disapproving  chime 
Of  voices  made  them  rest  then  hand, 
And  let  still  others  take  command. 
But,  spite  of  current,  whirl, 


or  go, 


In  spite  of  hungry  tribes 
below, — 


The  eel,  the  craw-fish,  leech,  and  pout, 
That  watched  them  from  the  starting  out, 
And  thought  each  moment  flitting  by 
Might  spill  them  out  a  year's  supply, — 
The  Brownies  drifted  onward  still ; 
And  though  confusion  baffled  skill, 

Canoes  throughout  the  trying  race 

Kept  right  side  up  in  every  case. 

But  sport  that  traveled  hand  hi  hand 

With  horrors  hardly  pleased  the  hand, 

As  pallid  cheek  and  popping  eye 

On  every  side  could  testify; 

And  all  agreed  that  wisdom  lay 

In  steering  home  without  delay. 

So  landing  qiuck,  the  boats  they  tied 
To  roots  or  trees  as  chance  supplied, 
And  plunging  in  the  woods  profound, 
They  soon  were  lost  to  sight  and  sound. 


67 


UA/DEIR  THE 


THE   BROWXIES   EST  THE   MENAGERIE. 


HE  Brownies  heard  the  news  with 
alee, 
That  in  a  city  near  the  sea 
A  spacious  building  was  designed 
For  holding  heasts  of  every  kind. 
From  polar   snows,    from    desert 

sand, 
From   mountain  peak,   and  tim- 
bered land, 
The   heasts    with   claw   and 

beasts  with  hoof, 
All  met  beneath  one  slated 

roof. 
That  night,  hke  bees  before 

the  wind, 
With    home    in    sight,    and 

storm  behind, 
The  band  of  Brownies  might 

be  seen, 
All  scudding  from  the  forest  green. 

Less  time  it  took  the  waUs  to  scale 
Than  is  required  to  teE  the  tale. 

The  art  that  makes  the  lock  seem 

weak. 
The  bolt  to  slide,  the  hinge  to  creak, 
Was  theirs  to  use  as  heretofore, 
With  good  effect,  on  sash  and  door ; 
And  soon  the  band  stood  face  to  face 
With  aU  the  wonders  of  the  place. 

6S 


To  Brownies,  as  to  children  dear, 
The  monkey  seemed  a  creature  queer  ; 
They  watched  its  skill  to  climb  and  cling., 
By  either  toe  or  tail  to  swing; 
Perhaps  they  got  some  hints  that  might 
Come  well  in  hand  some  future  night, 
When  climbing  up  a  wall  or  tree, 
Or  chimney,  as  the  case  might  he. 

Then   off  to   other  parts  they  'd 

range 
To  gather  'round  some   creature 

strange  ; 
To  watch  the  movements  of  the 

bear, 
if®  Or  at  the  spotted  serpents  stare. 
Around  the  sleeping  lion  long 
They  stood  an  interested  throng, 
Debating     o'er    its    strength    of 
^    limb, 

Its  heavy  mane  or  visage  grim. 


The  mammoth  turtle  from  its  pen 
Was  driven  'round  and  'round  again, 
And  though  the  coach  proved  rather 

slow 
They  kept  it  hours  upon  the  go. 
Said  one,   "Before   your  face  and 

eyes 
I  '11  take  that  snake  from  where  it 

lies, 
And  like  a  Hindoo  of  the  East, 
Benumb  and  charm  the   crawling 

beast, 
Then  twist  him  'round  me  on  the 

spot 
And  tie  him  in  a  sailor's  knot." 
Another  then  was  quick  to  shout, 


"  We  '11  leave  that  snake  performance  out ! 
I  grant  you  all  the  power  you  claim 
To  charm,  to  tie,  to  twist  and  tame; 
But  let  me  still  suggest  you  try 
Your  art  when  no  one  else  is  nigh. 
Of  all  the  beasts  that  creep  or  crawl 
From  Rupert's  Land  to  China's  wall, 
In  torrid,  mild,  or  frigid  zone, 
The  snake  is  best  to  let  alone." 


Against  this  counsel,  seeming  good, 
At  least  a  score  of  others  stood. 
Said  one,  "  My  Mend,  suppress  alarm; 
There 's  nothing  here  to  threaten  harm. 
Be  sine  the  power  that  mortals  hold 
Is  not  denied  the  Brownies  bold." 

70 


So,  harmlessly  as  silken  bands 

The  snakes  were  twisted,  in  then*  hands. 

Some  hauled  them  freely  'round  the  place ; 

Some  braided  others  in  a  trace  ; 

And  every  knot  to  sailors  known, 

Was  qnickly  tied,  and  quickly  shown. 

Tims,  'round  from  cage  to  cage  they  went, 
For  some  to  smile,  and  some  comment 

On  Nature's  way  of  dealing  out 
To  this  a  tail,  to  that  a  snont 


Of  extra  length,  and  then  deny 

To  something  else  a  fair  supply. 

—  But  when  the  bear  and  tiger  growled, 

And  wolf  and  lynx  in  chorus  howled, 

And  starting  from  its  broken  sleep, 

The  lion  rose  with  sudden  leap, 

And,  bounding  'round  the  rocking  cage, 

With  lifted  mane,  roared  loud  with  rage, 

And  thrust  its  paws  between  the  bars, 

Until  it  seemed  to  shake  the  stars, — 

71 


A  panic  seized  the  Brownies  all, 
And  out  they  scampered  from  the  hall, 
As  if  they  feared  incautious  men 
Had  built  too  frail  a  prison  pen. 


72 


THE    BROWNIES'    CIRCUS. 

One  night  the  circus  was  in  town 
With  tumbling  men  and  painted  clown, 
And  Brownies  came  from  forest  deep 
Around  the  tent  to  climb  and  creep, 
And  through  the  canvas,  as  they  might 
Of  inner  movements  gain  a  sight. 


Said  one,  "  A  chance  we  '11  hardly  find 
That  better  suits  the  Brownie  mind; 
To-night  when  all  this  great  array 
Of  people  take  then*  homeward  way, 
We  '11  promptly  make  a  swift  descent 
And  take  possession  of  the  tent, 
And  here,  till  morning  light  is  shown, 
We  '11  have  a  circus  of  our  own." 
"I  best,"  cried  one,  "of  all  the  band 

The  elephant  can  take  in  hand; 

I  noticed  how  they  led  him  round 

And  marked  the  place  he  may  be  found ; 

On  me  you  may  depend  to  keep 

The  monster  harmless  as  a  sheep." 

The  laughing  crowd  that  filled  the  place, 
Had  hardly  homeward  turned  its  face, 
Before  the  eager  waiting  band 
Took  full  possession  as  they  planned,  ifcr)  z^j£^. 
And  'round  they  scampered  left  and  % 
right 

To  see  what  offered  most  delight. 
Cried  one,  "If  I  can  only  find 
The  whip,  I  '11  have  a  happy  mind ; 

For  I  '11  be  master  of  the  ring 
And  keep  the  horses  on  the  spring, 
Announce  the  names  of  those  who  ride, 
And  snap  the  whip  on  every  side." 
Another  said,  "  I  '11  be  a  clown ; 
I  saw  the  way  they  tumble  down, 
And  how  the  cunning  rogues  contrive 
To  always  keep  the  fun  alive." 

74 


With  such  remarks  away  they  went 
At  this  or  that  around  the  tent ; 
The  wire  that  not  an  hour  before 
The  Japanese  had  traveled  o'er 
From  end  to  end  with  careful  stride, 
Was  hunted  up  and  quickly  tried. 
Not  one  alone  upon  it  stepped, 
But  up  by  twos  and  threes  they  crept, 
Until  the  strand  appeared  to  bear 
No  less  than  half  the  Brownies  there. 
Some  showed  an  easy,  graceful  pose, 
But  some  put  little  faith  in  toes, 
And  thought  that  fingers,  after  all, 
Are  best  if  one  begins  to  fall. 

When  weary  of  a  sport  they  grew, 
Away  to  other  tricks  they  flew. 
They  rode  upon  the  rolling  ball 
Without  regard  to  slip  or  fall; 
Both  up  and  down  the  steep  incline 
They  kept  then*  place,  with  balance  fine, 
Until  it  bounded  from  the  road, 
And  whirled  away  without  its  load. 

75 


They  galloped  'rotund  the  dusty  ring 

Without  a  saddle,  strap  or  string, 

And  jumped  through  hoops  both  large  and  small, 

And  over  banners,  poles  and  all. 

In  time  the  elephant  was  found 
And  held  as  though  in  fetters  bound; 
Their  mystic  power  controlled  the  beast, — 
He  seemed  afraid  to  move  the  least, 
But  filled  with  wonder,  limp  and  lax, 
He  stood  and  trembled  in  his  tracks, 
While  all  the  band  from  first  to  last 
Across  his  back  in  order  passed. 


76 


VALhJEPK  COX 


So  thus  they  saw  the  moments  fly 
Till  dawn  hegan  to  paint  the  sky ; 
And  then  "by  every  flap  and  tear 
They  made  then  way  to  open  air, 
And  off  through  lanes  and  alleys  passed 
To  reach  then  hiding-place  at  last. 

77 


THE   BROWNIES   AT  BASE-BALL. 


*/ 


'3&? 


& 


"This  game  extends  throughout  the  land; 
No  city,  town,  or  village  'round, 
But  has  its  club,  and  diamond  ground, 
With  bases  marked,  and  paths  between, 
And  seats  for  crowds  to  view  the  scene. 
At  other  games  we've  not  been  slow 
Our  mystic  art  and  skill  to  show; 
Let 's  take  our  turn  at  ball  and  bat, 
And  prove  ourselves  expert  at  that." 


Another  answered:  "I 
A    method    to    equip 

There  is  a  firm  in  yonder  town, 

Whose  goods  have  won  them  wide  renown ; 

Their  special  branch  of  business  lies 

In  sending  forth  these  club  supplies. 

The  balls  are  wound  as  hard  as  stones, 

The  bats  are  turned  as  smooth  as  bones, 

And  masks  are  made  to  guard  the  nose 

Of  him  who  fears  the  batter's  blows, 

Or  stops  the  pitcher's  curves  and  throws. 
To  know  the  place  siTch  goods  to  find, 
Is  quite  enough  for  Browny-kind  ! " 

When  hungry  bats  came  forth  to  wheel 
'Round  eaves  and  find  their  evening  meal, 
The  cunning  Brownies  sought  the  store, 

To  work  then  way  through  sash  and  door. 

And  soon  their  beaming  faces  told 

Success  had  crowned  then  efforts 
bold. 

A  goodly  number  of  the  throng 

Took  extra  implements  along, 

79 


have  planned 
our  band. 


In  case  of  mishap  on  the  way, 
Or  loss,  or  breakage  during  play. 
The  night  was  clear,  the  road  was  good, 
And  soon  within  the  field  they  stood. 

Then  games  were  played  without  a  pause, 
According  to  the  printed  laws. 
There,  turn   about,  each  took 

his  place 
At    first    or    third   or    second 
base, 


At  left  or  right  or  center  field. 
To  pitch,  to  catch,  or  bat  to  wield, 
Or  else  as  "  short-stop  "  standing  by 
To  catch  a  "grounder"  or  a  "fly." 

Boon  every  comer  of  the  ground 
Its  separate  set  of  players  found. 
A  dozen  games  upon  the  green, 
With  ins  and  outs  might  there  he  seen , 
The  umpires  noting  all  with  care 
To  tell  if  hits  were  ford  or  fair, 


The  "strikes"  and  "halls"  to  plainly  shout, 
And  say  if  men  were  "safe"  or  "out," 
And  give  decision  just  and  vase 
When  knotty  questions  woidcl  arise. 


But  many  Brownies  thought  it  best 
To  leave  the  sport  and  watch  the  rest; 
And  front  the  seats  or  fences  high 
They  viewed  the  scene  with  anxious  eye 
And  never  failed,  the  contest  through. 
To  render  praise  when  praise  was  due. 

81 


While  others,  freed  TTom  games  on  hand, 
In  merry  groups  aside  would  stand, 
And  pitch  and  catch  with  rarest  skill 
To  keep  themselves  in  practice  still. 


fife  a  A* 

lip 


sf—  -  ,, 

- 1  W'%^ 


Now  "double  plays"  and  balls  well  curved 
And  "base  hits"  often  were  observed, 
While  "errors"  were  but  seldom  seen 
Through  all  the  games  upon  that  green. 

82 


Before  the  flush  of  morn  arose 
To  "bring  then1  contests  to  a  close, 
The  balls  and  bats  in  every  case 
Were  carried  back  and  put  in  place; 
And  when  the  Brownies  left  the  store, 
All  was  in  order  as  before. 


THE  BROWNIES  AND  THE  BEES. 


HILE  Brownies  once  were  rambling  througl 
A  forest  where  tall  timber  grew, 
The  hum  of  bees  above  then  head 
To  much  remark  and  wonder  led. 
They  gazed  at  branches  in  the  air 
And  listened  at  the  roots  with  care, 
And  soon  a  pine  of  giant  size 
Was  found  to  hold  the  hidden  prize. 
Said  one  :  "  Some  wild  bees  here  have  made 
Then  home  within  the  forest  shade, 
Where  neither  fox  nor  prying  bear 
Can  steal  the  treasure  gathered  there." 

Another  spoke:  "You're  quick  and  bright. 
And  as  a  rule  judge  matters  right ; 
But  here,  my  friend,  you  're  all  astray, 
And  like  the  blind  mole  grope  your  way. 
I  chance  well  to  remember  still, 
How  months  ago,  when  up  the  hill, 

83 


A  farmer  near,  with  bell  and  horn, 
Pursued  a  swarm  one  sunny  morn. 
The  fearful  din  the  town  awoke, 
The    clapper   from    his    bell    he 

broke ; 
But  still  then  queen's  directing  cry 


The  bees  heard  o'er  the  clamor  high; 
And  held  their  bearing  for  this  pine 
As  straight  as  runs  the  county  hue. 
With  taxes  here,  and  failures  there, 
The  man  can  iU  such  losses  bear. 
In  view  of  this,  our  duty  's  clear : 
To-morrow  night  we  '11  muster  here, 
And  when  we  give  this  tree  a  fall, 
In  proper  shape  we  '11  hive  them  all, 


And  take  the  queen  and  working  throng 
And  lazy  drones  where  they  belong." 

Next  evening,  at  the  time  they  'd  set. 
Around  the  pine  the  Brownies  met 
With  tools  coUected,  as  they  sped 
From  mill  and  shop  and  farmer's  shed; 
While  some,  to  all  then  wants  ahve, 
With  ready  hands  procured  a  hive. 

Ere  work  began,  said  one  :  "  I  fear 

But  little  sport  awaits  us  here. 

Be  sure  a  trying  task  we  '11  find ; 

The  bee  is  fuss  and  fire  combined. 
Let  's  take  him  in  his  drowsy  horn, 
Or  when  palavering  to  the  flower. 
For  bees,  however  wild  or  tame, 
In  all  lands  are  about  the  same; 
And  those  will  rue  it  who  neglect 
To  treat  the  buzzer  with  respect." 

Ere  long,  by  steady  grasp  and  blow, 
The  towering  tree  was  leveled  low ; 
And  then  the  hive  was  made  to  rest 
In  proper  style  above  the  nest, 
Until  the  queen  and  all  her  train 
Did  full  and  fair  possession  gain. 

Then  'round  the  hive  a  sheet 
That    some   were   thoughtful 

to  provide, 
And    off    on   poles,    as    best 

they  cordd, 
They  bore  the  burden  from  the  wood 


.  „    was  tied, 


But  trouble,  as  one  may  divine, 
Occurred  at  points  along  the  line. 

'T  was  bad  enough  on  level  ground, 
Where,  now  and  then,  one  exit  found ; 


But  when  the  Brownies  lacked  a  road, 
Or  climbed  the  fences  with  their  load,- 
Then  numbers  of  the  prisoners  there 
Came  trooping  out  to  take  the  ah*, 

86 


And  managed  straight  enough  to  fly 
To  keep  excitement  running  high. 


With  branches  broken  off  to  suit, 
And  grass  uplifted  by  the  root, 

87 


ill  vain  some  daring  Brownies  tried 
To  brush  the  buzzing  plagues  aside. 
Said  one,  whose  features  proved  to  all 
That  bees  had  paid  his  face  a  call : 
"I  'd  rather  dare  the  raging  main 
Than  meddle  with  such  things  again." 
:'The  noble  voice,"  another  cried, 
"Of  duty  still  must  rule  and  guide,— 
Or  in  the  ditch  the  sun  would  see 
The  tumbled  hive  for  all  of  me." 

And  when  at  last  the  fence  they  found 
That  girt  the  fanner's  orchard  'round, 
And  laid  the  hive  upon  the  stand, 
There  hardly  was,  in  all  the  band, 
A  single  Brownie  who  was  free 
From  some  reminders  of  the  bee. 

But  thoughts  of  what  a  great  surprise 
Ere  long  would  light  the  farmer's  eyes 
Soon  drove  away  from  every  brain 
The  slightest  thought  of  toil  or  pain. 


88 


THE    BROWNIES    ON    ROLLER    SKATES. 


HE  Brownies  planned  at  close  of  day 
To  :>each  a  town  some  miles  away, 
Where  roller  skating,  so  't  was  said, 
Of  all  amusements  kept  ahead. 
Said  one :  "  When  deeper  shadows  fall, 
We  '11  cross  the  river    find  the  hall, 


,:M^. 


HBPaBK 


And  learn  the  nature  of  the  sport 
Of  which  we  hear  such  good  report." 

To  reach  the  bridge  that  led  to  town, 
With  eager  steps  they  hastened  down; 
But  recent  rains  had  caused  a  rise  — 
The  stream  was  now  a  fearful  size; 
The  bridge  was  nearly  swept  away, 
Submerged  in  parts,  and  wet  with  spray. 

But  when  the  cunning  Brownies  get 
Their  mind  on  some  maneuver  set, 
Nor  wind  nor  flood,  nor  frost  nor  fire 
Can  ever  make  the  rogues  retire. 

Some  walked  the  dripping  logs  with  ease, 
While  others  crept  on  hands  and  knees 
With  movements  rather  safe  than  fast, 
And  inch  by  inch  the  danger  passed. 


Now,  guided  by  the  rumbling  sound 
That  told  where  skaters  circled  'round, 
Through  dimly  lighted  streets  they  flew, 
And  close  about  the  building  drew. 

Without  delay  the  active  band, 

By  spouts  and  other  means  at  hand, 

90 


Of  skill  and  daring  furnished  proof 
And  gained  possession  of  the  roof ; 
Then  through  the  skylight  viewed  the  show 
Presented  by  the  crowds  below. 


w 

1  111'1' 

.  pli  y* 

i 
11 

I, 'if'  ''JJgjSJiim 
M_   _. 

djli 

nil 

Said  one:  "While  I  survey  that  floor 
I  'm  filled  with  longing  more  and  more. 


91 


And  discontent  with  me  will  bide 
Till  'round  the  rink  I  smoothly  glide. 
At  night  I  've  ridden  through  the  air, 
Where  bats  abide,  and  owls  repair; 
I  've  rolled  in  surf  of  ocean  wide, 
And  coasted  down  the  mountain-side ; 
And  now  to  sweep  around  a  hall 
On  roller  skates  would  crown  it  all." 

"  My  plans,"  the  leader  answer  made, 

"  Are  in  my  mind  already  laid. 
Within  an  hour  the  folk  below 
Will  quit  their  sport  and  homeward  go ; 


Then  will  the  time 
For  us  to  leave  this 
And  prove  how  well 
We  may  command 

When  came  the 
And    people    from 


be  ripe,  indeed, 
roof  with  speed, 
our  toes  and  heels 
when  set  on  wheels." 

closing  hour  at  last, 
the  rink  had  passed, 


The  Brownies  hurried  down  to  find 
The  roller  skates  they  'd  left  behind. 

Then  such  a  scene  was  there  as  few 
May  ever  have  a  chance  to  view. 

Some  hardly  circled  'round  the  place, 

Before  they  moved  with  ease  and  grace, 

And  skated  freely  to  and  fro, 

Upon  a  single  heel  or  toe. 

Some  coats  were  torn  beyond  repair, 

By  catches  here  and  clutches  there, 

When  those  who  felt  then  faith  give  way, 

Groped  right  and  left  without  delay; 


While  some  who  strove  their  friends  to  aid, 
Upon  the  floor  themselves  were  laid, 
To  spread  confusion  there  awhile, 
As  large  and  larger  grew  the  pile. 


PALHil  CO* 


Some  rose  with  fingers  out  of  joint, 
Or  black  and  blue  at  every  point ; 

93 


And  few  but  felt  some  portion  sore, 
From  introductions  to  the  floor. 
But  such  mishaps  were  lost  to  sight, 
Amid  the  common  wild  dehght, — 
For  little  plaint  do  Brownies  make 
O'er  bmnp  or  bruise  or  even  break. 

But  stars  at  length  began  to  wane, 

And  dawn  came  creeping  through  the  pane ; 

And  much  against  the  will  of  all, 

The  rogues  were  forced  to  leave  the  hall. 


THE    BROWNIES    AT   THE    SEASIDE. 


ITHIN  a  forest  dark 
and  wide, 
Some    distance    from    the 
ocean  side, 
A  band,  of  Brownies  played  around 
On  mossy  stone  or  grassy  mound, 
Or,  climbing  through  the  branch- 
ing tree, 
Performed   their   antics  wild   and 
free. 

94 


"When  one,  arising  in  his  place 
With  sparkling  eyes  and.  beaming  face 
Soon  won  attention  from  the  rest, 
And  thus  the  listening  throng  addressed : 
"  For  years  and  years,  through  heat  and  cold, 
Our  home  has  been  this  forest  old; 
The  saplings  which  we  used  to  bend 
Now  like  a  schooner's  masts  ascend. 

Yet  here  we  live,  content  to  ride 
A  springing  bough  with  childish 

pride, 
Content  to  bathe  in  brook  or  bog 
Along  with    lizard,    leech,    and 

frog ; 
We  're  far  behind  the  age  you  '11 

find 
If  once  you  note  the  human  kind. 


J 


-mij&mWm 


&m 


mm 


Il«^ 


§S2 

mm 


JZF&La  <f?S , 


^ystcojc^^ipw 


mBHM 


95 


The  modern  youths  no  longer  lave 
Their  limbs  beneath  the  muddy  wave 
Of  meadow  pool  or  village  pond, 
But  seek  the  ocean  far  beyond. 

If  pleasure  in  the  sea  is  found 
Not  offered  by  the  streams  around, 
The  Brownie  band  at  once  should  haste 

These  unfamiliar  joys  to  taste ; 
No    torch   nor   lantern's   ray 
we  '11  need 

To  show  our  path  o'er 
dewy  mead, 
The  ponds  and  pit- 
falls in  the  swale, 
The   open  ditch, 
the  slivered  rail, 
The  poison  vine 
and  thistle  high 
Show    clear    be- 
fore   the    Brown- 
ie's eye." 
— Next    evening,    as 
their  plan  they  'd  laid, 
Tbe  band  soon  gathered 
in  the  shade. 
All  clustered  like  a  swarm  of  bees 
They  darted  from  the  sheltering  trees ; 
And  straight  across  the  country  wide 
Began  then  journey  to  the  tide. 
And  when  they  neared  the  beach  at  last, — 
The  stout,  the  lean,  the  slow,  the  fast, — 
'T  was  hard  to  say,  of  all  the  lot, 
Who  foremost  reached  the  famous  spot. 

96 


"And  now,"  said  one  with  active  mind. 

"What  proper  garments  can  we  find? 
In  bathing  costume,  as  yon  know, 
The  people  in  the  ocean  go." 

Another  spoke,  "  For  such  demands, 
The  building  large  that  yonder  stands. 


As  one  can  see  on  passing  by, 
Is  full  of  garments  clean  and  dry. 
There  every  fashion,  loose  or  tight, 
We  may  secure  with  labor  light." 

Though  Brownies  never  carry  keys, 
They  find  an  entrance  where  they  please ; 

97 


And  never  do  they  chuckle  more 
Than  "when  some  miser  hars  his  door; 
For  well  they  know  that,  spite  of  locks, 

Of  rings  and  staples,  holts  and  hlocks, 

Were  they  inclined  to  play  such  prank 

He  'd  find  at  morn  an  empty  bank. 

So  now  the  crafty  Brownie  crew 

Soon  brought  the  bathing-suits  to  view ; 

Some,  working  on  the  inner  side, 

The  waiting  throng  without  sup- 
plied.— 


/UlMHiCfiC 


98 


'T  was  busy  work,  as  may  be  guessed, 
Before  the  band  was  fully  dressed; 
Some  still  had  cloth  enough  to  lend, 
Though  shortened  up  at  either  end; 
Some  ran  about  to  find  a  pin, 
While  others  rolled,  and  puckered  in, 

And  made  the  best  of  what  they  foimd, 

However  strange  it  hung  around. 

Then,  when  a  boat  was  manned  with  care 

To  watch  for  daring  swimmers  there, — 

Lest  some  should  venture,  over-bold, 

And  fall  a  prey  to  cramp  and  cold, — 

A  few  began  from  piers  to  leap 

And  plunge  at  once  in  water  deep, 

But  more  to  shiver,  shrink,  and  shout 

As  step  by  step  they  ventured  out; 

While  others  were  content  to  stay 

In  shallow  surf,  to  duck  and  play 

Along  the  lines  that  people  laid 

To  give  the  weak  and  timid  aid. 

It  was  a  sight  one  should  behold, 

When  o'er  the  crowd  the  breakers  rolled; — 

One  took  a  header  through  the  wave, 

One  floated  like  a  chip  or  stave, 

While  others  there,  at  every  plunge, 

Were  taking  water  like  a  sponge. 


But  while  the  surf  they  tumbled  through, 
They  reckoned  moments  as  they  flew, 
And  kept  in  mind  then*  homeward  race 
Before  the  sun  should  show  his  face. 

99 


For  sad  and  painful  is  the  fate 
Of  those  who  roam  abroad  too  late ; 
And  well  may  Brownies  hear  hi  mind 
The  hills  and  vales  they  leave  behind, 
When  far  from  native  haunts  they  run, 
A&  oft  they  do,  in  quest  of  fun 


100 


But,  ere  they  turned  to  leave  the  strand, 
They  made  a  vow  with  lifted  hand 
That  every  year,  when  sumniei  s  glow 
Had  wanned  the  ocean  spread  below, 
They  'd  journey  far  from  grove  and  glen 
To  sport  in  rolling  surf  again. 


THE    BROWNIES    AND    THE 
SPINNING-WHEEL. 


One  evening,  with  the  falling  dew, 
Some  Brownies  'round  a  cottage  drew. 
Said  one  :  "  I  've  learned  the  reason  why 
We  miss  the  '  Biddy,  Biddy ! '  cry, 
That  every  morning  brought  a  score 
Of  fowls  around  this  cottage  door ; 
'T  is  rheumatism  most  severe 
That  keeps  the  widow  prisoned  here. 
Her  sheep  go  bleating  through  the  field, 
In  quest  of  salt  no  herb  can  yield, 
To  early  roost  the  fowls  withdraw 
While  each  bewails  an  empty  craw, 

And  sore  neglect  you  may  discern 

On  every  side,  where'er  you  turn. 

If  aid  come  to  the  widow's  need, 

From  Brownies'  hands  it  must  proceed.'' 

Another  said :  "  The  wool,  I  know, 

Went  through  the  mill  a  month  ago. 


101 


I  saw  them  when  they  bore  the  sack 
Up  yonder  hill,  a  wondrous  pack 
That  caught  the  branches  overhead, 
And  round  then-  heels  the  gravel  spread. 
Her  spinning-wheel  is  lying  there 
In  fragments  quite  beyond  repair. 
A  passing  goat,  with  manners  bold, 
Mistook  it  for  a  rival  old, 


102 


And  knocked  it   'round  for  half  an 

hour 
With  all  Ms  noted  butting  power. 
They  say  it  was  a  striking  scene, 
That  twilight  conflict  on  the  green  ; 
The  wheel  was  resting  on  the  shed, 
The  frame  around  the  garden  spread, 
Before  the  goat  had  gamed  his  sight, 
And  judged  the  article  aright." 

A  third  remarked :  "  I  call  to  mind 
Another  wheel  that  we  may  find. 
Though  somewhat  worn  by  use  and 

time, 
It  seems  to  be  in  order  prime ; 
Now,  night  is  but  a  babe  as  yet, 
The  dew  has  scarce  the  clover  wet ; 
By  running  fast  and  working  hard 
We  soon  can  bring  it  to  the  yard; 
Then  stationed  here  in  open  ah* 
The  widow's  wool  shall  be  our  care." 

This  suited  all,  and  soon  with  zeal 
They  started  off  to  find  the  wheel; 
Their  course  across  the  country  lay 
Where  great  obstructions  barred  the 

way; 
But  Brownies  seldom  go  around 
However  rough  or  wild  the  ground. 


O'er  rocky  slope  and  marshy  bed, 
With  one  accord  they  pushed  ahead, — 

103 


Across  the  tail-race  of  a  mill, 

And  through  a  churchyard  on  the  hill. 

They  found  the  wheel,  with  head  and  feet, 
And  hand  and  fixtures,  all  complete  ; 


And  soon  beneath  the  trying  load 
Were  struggling  on  the  homeward  road. 

They  had  some  trouble,  toil,  and  care, 
Some  hoisting  here,  and  hauling  there : 

104 


At  times,  the  wheel  upon  a  fence 
Defied  them  all  to  drag  it  thence, 
As  though  determined  to  remain 
And  serve  the  fanner,  guarding  grain. 
But  patient  head  and  willing  hand 
Can  wonders  work  in  every  land; 

105 


And  cunning  Brownies  never  yield, 
But  aye  as  victors  leave  the  field. 

Some  ran  for  sticks,  and  some  for  pries, 
And  more  for  blocks  on  which  to  rise, 
That  every  band  or  shoulder  there, 
In  such  a  pinch  might  do  its  share. 

Before  the  door  they  set  the  wheel, 
And  near  at  hand  the  winding  reel, 
That  some  might  wind  while  others  spun, 
And  thus  the  task  be  quickly  done. 

No  time  was  wasted,  now,  to  find 
What  best  would  suit  each  hand  or  mind. 
Some  through  the  cottage  crept  about 
To  find  the  wool  and  pass  it  out ; 
With  some  to  turn,  and  some  to  pull, 
And  some  to  shout,  "  The  spindle  's  full !  * 
The  wheel  gave  out  a  droning  song, — 
The  work  in  hand  was  pushed  along. 

Their  mode  of  action  and  their  skill 
With  wonder  might  a  spinster  fill: 
For  out  across  the  yard  entire 
They  spun  the  yarn  like  endless  wire,— 

Beyond  the  well  with  steady  haul, 

Across  the  patch  of  beans  and  all. 

Until  the  walls,  or  ditches  wide, 

A  greater  stretch  of  wool  denied. 

The  widow's  yam  was  quickly  wound 
In  tidy  balls,  quite  large  and  round. 

106 


And  ere  the  night  began  to  fade, 
The  borrowed  wheel  at  home  was  laid ; 
And  none  the  worse  for  rack  or  wear, 
Except  a  blemish  here  and  there, 
A  spindle  bent,  a  broken  band  — 
'T  was  ready  for  the  owner's  hand. 


'<£&:'>'■■''  "^  ft, ;fif  C0X. 


THE    BROWNIES'   VOYAGE. 


NE  night,  a  restless  Brownie  band 
Resolved  to  leave  their  native  strand, 
And  visit  islands  fair  and  green. 
That  in  the  distance  might  be  seen. 


In  answer  to  a  summons  wide, 

The  Brownies  came  from  every  side — 

A  novel  spectacle  they  made, 

All  mustered  in  the  forest  shade. 

With  working  implements  they  came, 

Of  every  fashion,  use,  and  name. 

Said  one,  "  How  many  times  have  we 
Surveyed  those  islands  in  the  sea, 
And  longed  for  means  to  thither  sail 
And  ramble  over  bill  and  vale ! 

108 


That  pleasure  rare  we  may  command, 

Without  the  aid  of  human  hand. 

And  ere  the  faintest  streak  of  gray 

Has  advertised  the  coming  day, 

A  sturdy  craft,  both  tough  and  tall, 

With  masts  and  halyards,  shrouds  and  alL 

With  sails  to  spread,  and  helm  to  guide, 

Completed  from  the  ways  shall  ghde. 

So  exercise  your  mystic  power 

And  make  the  most  of  eveiy  horn ! " 


With  axes,  hammers,  saws,  and  rides, 
Dividers,  squares,  and  boring  tools, 
The  active  Brownies  scattered  'round, 
And  every  one  his  labor  found. 
SomefeU  to  chopping 


down  the  trees, 
And  some  to  hewing 

ribs  and  knees; 
While      more       the 

ponderous  keelson 

made, 
And  fast  the  shapely 

hull  was  laid. 
Then  over  all   they 

clambered  soon, 
Like     bees     around 

their  hive  in  June. 
'T  was  hammer,  ham- 
mer, here  and  there, 
And  rip  and  racket 

everywhere, 


109 


While  some  were  spiking  planks  and  leaim 

The  calkers  stuffed  the  yawning  seams, 

And  poured  the  resin  left  and  right, 

To  make  her  stanch  and  water-tight. 

Some  busily  were  bringing  nails, 

And  bolts  of  canvas  for  the  sails, 

And  coils  of  rope  of  every  size 

To  make  the  ratlines,  shrouds,  and  guy: 

It  mattered  little  whence  it  came, 

Or  who  a  loss  of  stock  might  claim; 

Supply  kept  even  with  demand, 

Convenient  to  the  rigger's  hand. 


'T  was  marvelous  to  see  how  fast 
The  vessel  was  together  cast : 

Until,  with  all  its  rigs  and  stays, 

It  sat  prepared  to  leave  the  ways. 

It  but  remained  to  name  it  now, 

And  break  a  bottle  on  the  bow, 

To  knock  the  wedges  from  the  side, 

And  from  the  keel,  and  let  it  slide. 

And  when  it  rode  upon  the  sea, 
The  Brownies  thronged  the  deck  with  gloe, 
And  veering  'round  in  proper  style, 
They  bore  away  for  nearest  isle. 


But  those  who  will  the  ocean  brave 
Should  be  prepared  for  wind  and  wave 
For  storms  will  rise,  as  many  know, 
When  least  we  look  for  squall  or  blow 
And  soon  the  sky  was  overcast, 
And  waves  were  running  high  and  fast; 
no 


So,    some   brave 

Brownies       nobly 

stood 
And  manned  the  ship 

as  best  they  could. 
Some   staid  on  deck 

to  sound  for  bars ; 
Some  went  aloft   to 

watch  for  stars  ; 
And  some  around  the 

rudder  hung, 
And  here  and  there 

the  vessel  swung, 
While  others,  strung 

on  yard  and  mast, 
Kept    shifting    sads 

to  suit  the  blast. 

At  times,  the  bow 
was  high  in  ah*, 

And  next  the  stem 
was  lifted  there. 


Then  some  were  sick  and  some  were  fdled 

With  fears  that  all  their  ardor  chilled; 

But,  as  when  dangers  do  assail 

The  humankind,  though  some  may  quad, 

There  will  be  found  a  few  to  face 

The  danger,  and  redeem  the  race, — 


Tit 


So  thus  it  tumbled,  tossed,  and  roUed, 
And  shipped  enough  to  fill  the  hold, 
TiU  more  than  once  it  seemed  as  though 

To  feed  the  fish  they  all  must  go. 

111 


But  still  they  bravely  tacked  and  veered, 
And    hauled,    and    reefed,    and    onward 

steered ; 
"While     screaming     birds     around     them 

wheeled, 
As  if  to  say:    "Your  doom  is  sealed"; 
And  hungry  gar  and  hopeful  shark 
In  shoals  pursued  the  creaking  hark, 
Still  wondering  how  it  braved  a  gale 
That  might  have  made  Columbus  pale. 

The  rugged  island,  near  them  now, 
Was  looming  on  their  starboard  bow ; 
But  knowing  not  the  proper  way 
Of  entering  its  sheltered  bay, 
They  simply  kept  their  canvas  spread, 
And  steered  the  vessel  straight  ahead. 
The  birds  were  distanced  in  the  race; 
The  gar  and  shark  gave  tip  the  chase, 
And  tinning  back,  forsook  the  keel, 
And  lost  their  chances  of  a  meaL 


For  now  the  ship  to  ruin  flew, 

As  though  it  felt  its  work  was  through. 

And  soon  it  stranded,  "pitch  and  toss,1' 

Upon  the. rocks,  a  total  loss. 

The  masts  and  spars  went  by  the  board 

The  hull  was  shivered  like  a  goind ! 

But  yet,  on  broken  plank  and  rail. 

On  splintered  spars  and  bits  of  sail 

That  strewed  for  miles  the  rugged  stran<l 

The  Brownies  safeiy  reached  the  land 

Hi? 


Now,  Brownies  lack  the  power,  't  is  said, 
Of  making  twice  what  once  they  've  made ; 
So  ah  then  efforts  were  in  vain 
To  build  and  launch  the  ship  again ;  — 
And  on  that  island,  roaming  'round, 
That  Brownie  band  for  years  was  lound, 


THE    BROWNIES'    RETURN 


Once  while  the  Brownies  lay  at  ease 
About  the  roots  of  rugged  trees, 
And  listened  to  the  dreary  rnoar 
Of  tides  around  then  island  1ov: 
Said  one  :  "  My  Mends,  unhappy  here, 
We  spend  our  days  from  yer.r  to  year. 
We  're  cornered  in,  and  hardly  boast 
A  run  of  twenty  leigu.es  at  most. 

114 


You  a.1  remember  well,  I  ween, 
The  night  we  reached  this  island  green, 
When  flocks  of  fowl  around  us  wailed, 
And  followed  till  then  pinions  failed. 
And  still  our  ship  at  every  wave 
To  sharks  a  creaking  promise  ga^e, 
Then  spilled  us  out  in  breakers  white, 
To  gain  the  land  as  best  we  might. 
Since  then  how  oft  we  Ve  tried  in  vain 
To  reach  our  native  haunts  again, 
Where  roaming  freely,  unconfined, 
Would  better  suit  our  roving  mind. 


'-• 


'To-night,  while  wandering  by  the  sea. 
A  novel  scheme  occurred  to  me, 
As  I  beheld  in  groups  and  rows 
The  weary  fowl  in  deep  repose. 
They  sat  as  motionless  as  though 
The  life  had  left  them  years  ago. 
The  albatross  and  crane  are  there, 
The  loon,  the  gull,  and  gannet  rare. 
An  easy  task  for  us  to  creep 
Around  the  fowl,  while  fast  asleep, 
And  at  a  given  signal  spring 
Aboard,  before  they  spread  a  wing, 
And  trust  to  them  to  bear  us  o'er, 
In  safety  to  our  native  shore." 

Another  spoke  :  "  I  never  yet 
Have  shunned  a  risk  that  others  met, 
But  here  uncommon  dangers  he, 
Suppose  the  fowl  should  seaward  fly, 

115 


And  never  landing,  course  about, 

And  drop  us,  when  their  wings  gave  out  ?  " 

To  shallow  schemes  that  will  not  bring 

A  modest  risk,  let  cowards  cling ! 

The  first  replied.     "A  Brownie  shows 

The  best  where  dangers  thickest  close. 

But,  hear  me  out :  by  sea  and  land, 

Then  habits  well  T  understand. 

When  rising  first  they  circle  wide, 

As  though  the  strength  of  wings  they  tried. 

Then  steering  straight  across  the  bay, 

To  yonder  coast  a  visit  pay. 

But  granting  they  for  once  should  be 

Inclined  to  strike  for  open  sea, 

The  breeze  that  now  is  rising  fast, 

Will  freshen  to  a  whistling  blast, 

And  landward  sweeping,  stronger  still, 

Will  drive  the  fowl  against  then  will." 


Now  at  his  heels,  with  willing  feet, 
They  followed  to  the  fowls'  retreat. 
'T  was  hard  to  scale  the  rugged  breast 
Of  crags,  where  birds  took  nightly  rest. 
But  some  on  hands,  and  some  on  knees. 
And  more  by  vines  or  roots  of  trees, 
From  shelf  to  shelf  untiring  strained, 
And  soon  the  windy  summit  gained. 
With  bated  breath,  they  gathered  round  ; 
Tbev  crawled  with  care  along  the  ground. 
By  this,  one  paused ;  or  that,  one  eyed ; 
Each  chose  the  bird  he  wished  to  lide. 


nu 


When  all  had  done  the  best  they    *»  «^\',f;i\  r  «1i  /tea  t  \,, 

co  uiu,  V2^fV^f»  V"'-  w&ji-i!    irf'  ' i !  /// 

And    waiting    for     the     signal     'r'5^)Ty.   {  ^W'^^fl'^^. 

stood, 
It  hardly  took  a  moment's  space 
For   each    to    scramble    to    his 

place.  , 


Some  seized  a  neck  and  some  a  head, 
And  some  a  wing,  and  some  a  shred 
Of  tail,  or  anght  that  nearest  lay, 
To  help  them  mount  without  delay 
Then  rose  wild  flaps  and  piercing  screams 
As  sudden  starting  from  then*  dreams 
The  wondering  fowl  in  sore  dismay 
Brought  wings  and  muscles  into  play. 
Some  felt  the  need  of  longer  sleep, 
And  hardly  had  the  strength  to  "  cheep  -," 

117 


While  others  seemed  to  find  a  store 
Of  screams  they  'd  never  found  before 
— But  off  like  leaves  or  flakes  of  snow 
Before  the  gale  the  Brownies  go, 
Away,  away,  through  spray  or  cloud 
As  fancy  led,  or  load  allowed. 
Some  birds  to  poor  advantage  showed, 
As,  with   in  oddly  balanced  load, 
Now  right  or  left  at  random  cast, 


They  flew,  the  spon 

of  every  blast ; 
While     fish    below 

had  aching  eyes 
With  gazing  upward 

at  the  prize. 
They  followed  still 

from  mile  to  mile, 
Believing      fortune 

yet  would  smile; 
While  plainer  to  the 

Brownies  grew 
The  hills  and  vale? 

that     well     they 

knew. 
'I    see,"    said    one, 

who,     from     his 

post 

Between  the  wings. 

could    view    tht 

coast, 
'  The  lofty  peaks  wr 

used  to  climb 


118 


To  gaze  upon  the 

scene  sublime." 
A    second    cried : 

"And  there 's  the 

bay 
Froniwhichoiu'ves- 

sel  bore  away !  " 
'And    I,"     another 

cried,  "  can  see 
The   shady   grove, 

the  very  tree 
We    met    beneath 

the      night     we 

planned 
To  build  a  ship  and 

leave  the  land ! " 

All  in  confusion 
now  at  last, 

The  birds  upon  the 
shore  were  cast. 

Some,  tumbling 
through .  thick 
branches,  fell 


And  spilled  the  load  that  clung  so  well. 
Some,  "  topsy-turvy "  to  the  ground, 
Dispersed  their  riders  all  around; 
And  others  still  coidd  barely  get 
To  shores  where  land  and  water  met. 


Congratulations  then  began, 

As  here  and  there  the  Brownies  ran, 

119 


To  learn  if  all  had  held  their  grip 
And  kept  aboard  throughout  the  trip. 
"And  now,"  said  one,  "  that  all  are  o'er 
In  safety  to  our  native  shore, 
You  see,  so  wasted  is  the  night, 
Orion's  belt  is  out  of  sight ; 
And  ere  the  lamp  of  Venus  fades 
We  all  must  reach  the  forest  shades. 


THE    BROWNIES'    SINGING-SCHOOL, 


S  mists  of  evening  deeper  grew, 

The  Brownies  'round  a  comrade  drew, 
An  interesting  tale  to  hear 
About  a  village  lying  near. 

"  Last  night,"  said  he,  "  I  heard  arise 
From  many  throats  discordant  cries. 
At  once  I  followed  up  the  sound. 
And  soon,  to  my  amazement,  found 
It  issued  from  a  building  small 
That  answered  for  the  county  hall. 

"I  listened  there  around  the  door, 

By  village  time,  an  hour  or  more ; 

Until  I  learned  beyond  a  doubt 

A  singing-school  caused  all  the  rout 

120 


Some,  like  the  hound,  would  keep  ahead, 
And  others  seemed  to  lag  instead. 
Some  singers,  struggling  with  the  tune, 
Outscreamed  the  frightened  northern  loon. 
Some  mocked  the  pinched  or  wheezing  cry 
Of  locusts  when  the  wheat  is  nigh, 

While  grumbling  bassos  shamed  the  strain 

Of  bull-frogs  calling  down  the  rain." 

The  Brownies  labor  heart  and  hand 
All  mysteries  to  understand  ; 
And  if  you  think  those  Brownies  bold 
Received  the  news  so  plainly  told, 
And  thought  no  more  about  the  place,  >A 
You  're  not  familiar  with  the  race. 


121 


When  scholars  next  their  voices  tried, 
The  Brownies  came  from  every  side ; 
With  ears  to  knot-holes  in  the  wall, 
To  door-jambs,  thresholds,  blinds,  and  all, 

—— — —         They  listened  to  the   jarring 
din 

.  Proceeding    from    the    room 

within. 


PALMER  COX 


122 


Said  one  at  length,  "  It  seems  to  me 
The  master  here  will  earn  his  fee, 
If  he  from  such  a  crowd  can  bring 
A  single  person  trained  to  sing." 
Another  said,  "We  11  let  them  try 
Their  voices  till  their  throats  are  dry, 
And  when  for  home  they  all  depart, 
We  '11  not  be  slow  to  test  our  art." 

That  night  the  Brownies  cheered  to  find 
The  music  had  been  left  behind; 
And  when  they  stood  within  the  hall. 
And  books  were  handed  'round  to  all. 
They  pitched  their  voices,  weak  or  strong, 
At  solemn  verse  and  lighter  song. 


John-ny  Mor-g.m  plny'rt  the  organ,  The  father  beat  the  drum,  The  sis-ter  play'd  the  tani-bou-rine. 


Some  sought  a  good  old  hymn  to  try ; 
Some  grappled  with  a  lullaby ; 
A  few  a  painful  effort  made 
To  struggle  through  a  serenade ; 
While  more  preferred  the  hvely  air 
That,  hinting  less  of  love  or  care, 
Possessed  a  chorus  loud  and  bright 
In  which  they  all  could  well  unite. 
At  times  some  member  tried  to  rule, 
And  took  control  of  all  the  school ; 

123 


But  soon,  despairing,  was  content 
To  let  them  follow  out  their  bent. 

They  sung  both  high  and  low,  the  same, 
As  fancy  led  or  courage  came. 


TjtMEr?  Coy. 


Some  droned  the  tune  through  teeth  or  nose, 
Some  piped  like  quail,  or  cawed  like  crows 
That,  hungry,  wait  the  noonday  hom 
To  call  the  farmer  from  his  corn, 

124 


By  turns  at  windows  some  would  stay 
To  note  the  signs  of  coming  day. 
At  length  the  morning,  rising,  spread 
Along  the  coast  her  streaks  of  red, 
And  drove  the  Brownies  from  the  place 
To  undertake  the  homeward  race. 

But  many  members  of  the  band 
Still  kept  their  singing-books  in  hand, 
Determined  not  with  those  to  part 
Till  they  were  perfect  in  the  art. 
And  oft  in  leafy  forest  shade, 
In  after  times,  a  ring  they  made, 
To  pitch  the  tune,  and  raise  the  voice, 
To  sing  the  verses  of  their  choice, 
And  scare  from  branches  overhead 
The  speckled  thrush  and  robin  red, 
And  make  them  feel  the  time  had  come 
When  singing  birds  might  well  be  dumb 


THE    BROWNIES1    FRIENDLY    TURN. 


One  night  while  snow  was  lying  deep 
On  level  plain  and  mountain  steep, 
A  sheltered  nook  the  Brownies  fonnd, 
Where  conversation  might  go  'round. 

Said    one  :      "  The    people 
hereabout 

Then    wood    supply    have 


Now  that  good  man,  the  story  goes, 
As  best  he  can,  must  warm  his  toes." 

126 


Another  spoke  :     "  The  way  is  clear 
To  show  both  skill  and  coinage  here. 
Yon  're  not  the  sort,  I  know,  to  shirk  : 
And  coward-like  to  flee  from  work. 
Yon  act  at  once  whene'er  yon  find 
A  chance  to  render  service  kind, 
Nor  wait  to  see  what  others  do 
In  matters  that  appeal  to  yon. 

"  This  task  in  waiting  must  be  done 

Before  another  day  has  run. 

The  signs  of  change  are  in  the  air; 

A  storm  is  near  though  skies  are  fan ; 
As  oft  when  smiles  the  broadest  he, 
The  tears  are  nearest  to  the  eye. 
To  work  let  every  Brownie  bend, 
And  prove  to-night  the  parson's  Mend. 
We  '11  not  take  oxen  from  the  stall, 
That  through  the  day  must  pull  and  haul, 

Nor  horses  from  the  manger  lead; 

But  let  them  take  the  rest  they  need. 

Since  mystic  power  is  at  our  call, 

By  our  own  selves  we  '11  do  it  all. 
Our  willing  arms  shall  take  the  place 
Of  clanking  chain  and  leathern  trace, 
And  'round  the  door  the  wood  we  '11  strew 
Until  we  hide  the  house  from  view." 

At  once  the  Brownies  sought  the  ground 
Where  fuel  could  with  ease  be  found, — 
A  place  where  forest-fires  had  spread, 
And  left  the  timber  scorched  and  dead. 

127 


And  there  throughout  the  chilly  night 
They  tugged  and  tore  with  all  their  might; 
Some  bearing  branches  as  then  load; 
With  lengthy  poles  still  others  strode, 


Or  struggled  till  they  scarce  could  see, 
With  logs  that  bent  them  like  a  V ; 
While  more  from  under  drifts  of  snow 
Removed  old  trees,  and  made  them  go 
Like  plows  along  the  icy  street. 

1.28 


With  half  their  limbs  and  roots  complete 
Some  found  it  hard  to  train  their  log 
To  keep  its  place  through  jolt  and  jog, 
While  some,  mistaking  ditch  for  road, 
Were  almost  buried  with  their  load, 
And  but  for  friends  and  promptest  care, 
The  morning  light  had  found  them  there. 


The  wind  that  night  was  cold  and  keen, 

And  frosted  Brownies  oft  were  seen. 

They  clapped  then  hands  and  stamped  then*  *oes, 

They  rubbed  with  snow  each  numbing  nose, 

And  drew  the  frost  from  every  face 

Before  it  proved  a  painful  case. 

And  thus,  in  spite  of  every  ill, 
The  task  was  earned  forward  still. 
Some  were  by  nature  well  designed 
For  work  of  this  laborious  kind, 
And  never  felt  so  truly  great, 
As  when  half  crushed  beneath  a  weight. 
While  wondering  comrades  stood  aghast, 
And  thought  each  step  must  be  the  last. 


But  some  were  shght  and  ill  could  bear 
The  heavy  loads  that  proved  then  share, 

129 


Though  at  some  sport  or  cunning  plan 
They  far  beyond  their  comrades  ran. 

Around  the  house  some  staid  to  pile 
The  gathered  wood  in  proper  style; 
Which  ever  harder  work  they  found 
As  high  and  higher  rose  the  mound, 

Above  the  window-sill  it  grew, 
And  next,  the  cornice  hid  from  view; 
And,  ere  the  dawn  had  forced  a  stop, 
The  pile  o'eiiooked  the  chimney-top. 

Some  hands  were  sore,  some  backs  were  blue, 
And  legs  were  scraped  with  slipping  through 
Where  ice  and  snow  had  left  then  mark 
On  rounded  log  and  smoothest  bark. 

That  morning,  when  the  parson  rose, 
Against  the  pane  he  pressed  his  nose, 
And  tried  the  outer  world  to  scan 
To  leam  how  signs  of  weather  ran. 

But,  'round  the  house,  behind,  before, 
In  front  of  window,  shed,  and  door, 
The  wood  was  piled  to  such  a  height 
But  httle  sky  was  left  in  sight ! 

When  next  he  climbed  his  pulpit  stair, 

He  touched  upon  the  strange  affair, 

And  asked  a  blessing  rich  to  fall 

Upon  the  heads  and  homes  of  all 

Who  through  the  night  had  worked  so  hard 

To  heap  the  fuel  'round  the  yard. 

130 


His  hearers  knew  they  had  no  claim 
To  such  a  blessing  if  it  came, 
But  whispered:    "We  don't  understand  — 
It  must  have  been  the  Brownie  Band.'' 


'  p/iwtni.  CoK 


131 


THE    BROWNIES'    FOURTH    OF    JULi. 


When  Independence  Day  was  nigh, 
And  children  laid  then*  pennies  by, 
Arranging  plans  how  every  cent 
Should  celebrate  the  grand  event, 
The  Brownies  in  then*  earnest  way 
Expressed  themselves  about  the  day. 

Said  one  :   "  The  time  is  drawing  near — 

To  every  freeman's  heart  so  dear — 

When  citizens  throughout  the  land, 

From    Western    slope    to    Eastern 
strand, 


v\- 


v  \sL¥  ^SIksP ^#G  *?■>■/> 


-/fti/v^  Cox  ^f-**^ 


132 


Will  celebrate  with  booming  gun 
Their  liberties  so  dearly  won!" 

"A  fitting  time,"  another  cried, 
"  For  us,  who  many  sports  have  tried, 
To  introduce  our  mystic  art 
And  in  some  manner  play  a  part." 
A  third  replied,  witb  beaming  face 
"  Trust  me  to  lead  you  to  a  place 
Where  fireworks  of  every  kind 
Are  made  to  suit  the  loyal  mind. 

"  There,  Roman  candles  are  in  store, 
And  bombs  that  like  a  cannon  roar ; 
While  'round  the  room  one  may  behold 
Designs  of  every  size  and  mold, — 
The  wheels  that  turn,  when  all  ablaze, 
And  scatter  sparks  a  thousand  ways ; 
The  eagle  bird,  with  pinions  spread; 
The  busts  of  statesmen  ages  dead ; 
And  him  who  led  his  tattered  band 
Against  invaders  of  the  land 

Until  he  shook  the  country  free 

From  grasp  of  kings  beyond  the  sea. 

'We  may,  from  this  supply,  with  ease 

Secure  a  share  whene  'er  we  please ; 

And  on  these  hills  behind  the  town 

That  to  the  plain  go  sloping  down, 

We  '11  take  position,  come  what  may, 
And  celebrate  the  Nation's  Day." 

Tbat  eve,  when  stars  began  to  shine, 
The  eager  band  was  formed  in  line, 

133 


And,  acting  on  the  plans  well  laid, 
A  journey  to  the  town  was  made. 

The  Brownies  never  go  astray, 

However  puzzling  is  the  way; 

With  guides  before  and  guards  behind, 

They  cut  through  every  turn  and  wind, 

Until  a  halt  was  made  at  last 

Before  a  building  bolted  fast. 

But  those  who  think  they  'd  turn  around 

And  leave  because  no  keys  are  found 

Should  entertain  the  thought  no  more, 

But  study  up  the  Brownie  lore. 

They  rummaged  boxes  piled  around 

And  helped  themselves  to  what  they  found, 

Some  eager  to  secure  the  wheel 

That  would  so  many  sparks  reveal. 

Some  active  members  of  the  band 

To  bombs  and  crackers  turned  their  hand, 

While  more  those  emblems  sought  to  find 

That  call  the  Nation's  birth  to  mind, 

And  bring  from  every  side  the  shout 

When  aU  their  meaning  blazes  out. 


Ere  long,  upon  the  homeward  road 
They  hastened  with  their  novel  load; 
And  when  the  bell  in  chapel  tower 
Gave  notice  of  the  midnight  hour, 

134 


The  ruddy  flame,  the  turning  wheel, 
The  showering  sparks  and  deafening  peal 
Showed  Brownies  in  the  proper  way 
Gave  welcome  to  the  glorious  day. 


The  lighted  eagles,  through  the  night, 
Looked  down  hke  constellations  bright ; 
The  rockets,  whizzing  to  and  fro, 
Lit  up  the  slumbering  town  below ; 


135 


While,  towering  there  with  eyes  of  fire, 
As  when  he  made  his  foes  retire, 
Above  all  emblems  duly  raised, 
The  Father  of  his  Country  blazed. 

But  ere  the  Brownies1  large  supply 
Had  gone  to  light  the  summer  sky. 

Some  plasters  would  have  served  the 


Much  better  than    the   goods    on 


band 
hand ; 

For      there      were      cases      all  about 

Where  Brownies  thought  the      /     fuse  was  out, 
Till    with    a    sudden    fizz  and  flare 

It    caught     the     jokers  unaware. 

y 

At    times,    in    spite    of  warning  cries, 

Some  proved  too  slow  at  clos-         '   ing  eyes  ; 
Some   ears    were    stunned,      ,      some  noses  got 
Too  close  to  something  quick  and  hot, 

And   fingers  bore   for       '    days  and  weeks 
The  trace  of  hasty  powder's  freaks. 

Some  dodging  'round  would  get  a  share 

Of  splendor  meant  for  upper  air, 

And  with         '  a  black  or  speckled  face 

f  They  ran  about  from  place  to  place, 

To  find  new  dangers  blaze  and  burn 
On  every  side  where'er  they  'd  turn. 

But  few  were  there  who  felt  afraid 

Of  bursting  bomb  or  fusillade, 

And  to  the  prize  they  'cl  stick  and  hang 

Until  it  vanished  with  a  "bang," 

Or  darting  upward  seemed  to  fly 

On  special  business  to  the  sky. 

136 


o»  »»  t/1 


But  there,  wliile  darkness  wrapped  the  hill, 

The  Brownies  celebrated  still ; 

For,  pleasures  such  as  this  they  found 

But  seldom  in  their  roaming  'round; 

And  with  reluctant  feet  they  fled 

When  morning  tinged  the  sky  with  red. 


THE    BROWNIES    IN    THE    TOY-SHOP. 


As  shades  of  evening  settled  down, 
The  Brownies  rambled  through  the  towD, 
To  pry  at  this,  to  pause  at  that ; 
By  something  else  to  hold  a  chat, 
And  in  then1  free  and  easy  vein 
Express  themselves  in  language  plain. 

At  length  before  a  store,  their 


eyes 
Were    fixed    with    wonder    and 

surprise 
On  toys  of  wood,  and  wax,  and 

tin, 
And  toys  of  rubber  piled  within. 


Pi  'm  ■  ■'  -    •■  -  -r  -4- 


138 


Said  one,  "In  all  our  wandering  'round, 
A  sight  like  this  we  never  found. 
When  such  a  passing  glimpse  we  gain, 
What  marvels  must  the  shelves  contain ! " 

Another  said,  "  It  must  be  here 

Old  Santa  Claus  comes  every  year 

To  gather  up  his  large  supply, 

When  Christmas  Eve  is  drawing  nigh, 

That  children  through  the  land  may  find 

They  still  are  treasured  in  his  mind.'' 

A  third  remarked,  "  Ere  long  he  may 

Again  his  yearly  visit  pay; 

Before  he  comes  to  strip  the  place, 

We  '11  rummage  shelf,  and  box,  and  case, 

Until  the  building  we  explore 

From  attic  roof  to  basement  floor, 

And  prove  what  pleasure  may  be  found 

In  all  the  wonders  stowed  around." 

Not  long  were  they  content  to  view 
Through  dusty  panes  those  wonders  new: 
And,  in  a  manner  quite  their  own, 
They  made  then  way  through  wood  and  stone. 

And  then  surprises  met  the  band 
In  odd  conceits  from  every  land. 
Well  might  the  Brownies  stand  and  stare 
At  all  the  objects  crowded  there  ! 
Here,  tilings  of  gentle  nature  lay 
In  safety,  midst  the  beasts  of  prey; 
The  goose  and  fox,  a  friendly  pah", 
Reposed  beside  the  lamb  and  bear; 

139 


There  horses  stood  for  boys  to  ride; 
Here  boats  were  waiting  for  the  tide, 


While  ships  of  war,  with  every  sail 
Unfurled,  were  anchored  to  a  nail ; 
There  soldiers  stood  in  warlike  bands ; 
And  naked  dolls  held  out  their  hands. 
As  though  to  iu*ge  the  passers-by 
To  take  them  from  the  public  eye. 
This  way  and  that,  the  Brownies  ran; 
To  try  the  toys  they  soon  began. 


140 


The  Jack-in-box,  so  quick  and  strong, 
With  staring  eyes  and  whiskers  long, 
Now  o'er  and  o'er  was  set  and  sprung 
Until  the  scalp  was  from  it  flung 
And  then  they  crammed  him  in 

his  case, 
With  wig  and  night-cap  in  then* 

place, 
To  give  some  customer  a  start 
When    next    the    jumper    flew 

apart. 
The  trumpets,  drains,  and  weap- 
ons bright 
Soon  filled  them  all  with  great 

delight. 
Like  troops  preparing  for  their 

foes, 
In    single    ranks    and      touble 
rows 


They  learned  the  arts  of  war,  as  told 
By  printed  books  and  veterans  old; 
With  swords  of  tin  and  guns  of  wood, 
They  wheeled  about,  and  marched  or  stood, 


141 


And  went  through  skirmish 
drill  and  all, 

From  room  to  room  by  bugle- 
call; 

There  Marathon  and  Waterloo 

And  Bunker  Hill  were  fought 
anew; 

And  most  of  those  in  war  array 

At  last  went  limping  from  the 
fray. 

The  music-box  poured  forth  an 
ah 

That  charmed  the  dullest  spirits 
there, 


Till,  yielding  to  the  pleasing  sound, 
They  danced  with  dolls  a  hvely  round. 

There  fish  were  working  tail  and  fin 
In  seas  confined  by  wood  and  tin ; 
The  canvas  shark  and  rubber  whale 
Seemed  iU  content  in  dish  or  pail, 
And  leaping  all  obstructions  o'er 
Performed  their  antics  on  the  floor. 

Some  found  at  marbles  greatest  fun, 
And  still  they  played,  and  still  they  won, 
Until  they  claimed  as  winners,  all 
The  shop  could  furnish,  large  and  smalL 


More  gave  the  singing  tops  no  rest— 
But  kept  them  spinning  at  their  best 
Until  some  wonder  strange  and  new 
To  other  points  attention  drew. 

The  rocking-horse  that  wildly  rose, 
Now  on  its  heels,  now  on  its  nose, 

Was  forced  to  hear  so  great  a  load 

It  seemed  to  founder  on  the  road, 

Then  tumble  feebly  to  the  floor, 

Never  to  lift  a  rocker  more. 

No  budding  in  the  country  wide 
With  more  attractions  was  supplied, 
No  shop  or  store  throughout  the  land 
Could  better  suit  the  Brownie  band. 
For  when  some  flimsy  toy  gave  way 

And  'round  the  room  in  pieces  lay 


'T  was  hardly  missed  in  such  a  store. 
With  wonders  fairly  running  o'er- 
To  something  else  about  the  place 
The  happy  Brownie  turned  his  face. 
And  only  feared  the  sun  would  call 
Before  he  'd  had  his  sport  with  all. 

Thus,  through  the  shop  in  greatest  giee. 
They  rattled  'round,  the  sights  to  see, 
Till  stars  began  to  dwindle  down, 
And  morning  crept  into  the  town. 
And  then,  with  all  the  speed  they  kne^ 
A. way  to  forest  shades  they  Hew. 


144 


V 


rJO 


^ 


«■»  ™ 


K'AV 


Wfy; 


